Paul Stanley Of KISS Bemoans Supposed 'Normalization' Of Children Exploring Gender, Sparking Controversy Online

Paul Stanley of KISS, a rock band most famous for painting their faces with their iconic black-and-white makeup, has sparked controversy online by posting his thoughts on what he views as the "normalization and encouragement" of children exploring gender.

In a post yesterday titled "My Thoughts On What I'm Seeing," Stanley said he thinks that "some adults mistakenly confuse teaching acceptance with normalizing and encouraging a situation that has been a struggle for those truly affected," adding that these individuals have turned it into a "sad and dangerous fad." Though he never explicitly uses the word "transgender," some online have perceived the post as Stanley appearing to imply that transgenderism itself is a "sad and dangerous fad."

He concedes that some adults may decide that changing their gender is right for them but doesn't think boys and girls who dress up in clothes fitting their opposite gender should be encouraged by their parents to think of changing their gender as a "natural alternative." Stanley also said that he thinks children will get swept up in the "fun" of "using pronouns and saying what they identify as."

As one might expect, Stanley's take divided social media largely down ideological lines, as many left-leaning users condemned it while some right-leaning and anti-trans posters celebrated it. One surprising member of the latter group was Dee Snider, the lead singer of Twisted Sister, who famously performed in feminine makeup and clothing in the band's heyday.

Many users appeared to imply that Stanley and Snider were being hypocritical, considering their public personas often relied on feminine clothing and playing with gender expression.

There has been some debate about the theory that kids are being "pushed" to become transgender through social influence. In 2022, Pediatrics published a study which disputed the claim that a so-called "social contagion" is pushing children, particularly those assigned female at birth, to become trans.

The Mayo Clinic also identifies the phase Stanley mentions where children are more fluid with gender expression, but also is firm in recommending parents listen to their children and support them in their exploration of gender, writing "A child living with supportive parents and caregivers is likely to be a happier child."