Elon Musk is facing intense criticism on his social media platform, X, after a conversation with conservative psychologist Jordan Peterson in which he declared his own child “dead” to him after coming out as transgender.
During the discussion on Monday, Musk expressed feeling deceived into signing documents affirming the gender identity of one of his children. “I lost my son essentially. They call it dead-naming for a reason. The reason it’s called dead-naming is because your son is dead,” Musk said. “So my son, Xavier, is dead. Killed by the woke mind virus.”
The backlash was swift and widespread on X, the platform Musk purchased and rebranded. Within hours, “Woke Mind Virus” was trending as users reacted to Musk’s comments. “This is every LGBT person’s nightmare reaction from their parents to them coming out,” wrote Ben Goggin, deputy editor for NBC News, in a post on X.
Harvard Law School instructor Alejandra Caraballo added, “What a deadbeat father,” reflecting the general sentiment of many critics online. YouTuber Jessie Earl also weighed in, stating, “Your daughter is alive. It’s your own actions that caused you to lose her – not some ‘woke mind virus.’ Absolute anti-trans bullshit propaganda and lies.”
St. John’s Law professor Tyler Rose Clemons shared a personal perspective, writing, “This is so sad. My parents are lifelong Mississippians and deeply Christian/evangelical. But they have worked hard to maintain and even strengthen our relationship after my transition. It’s Elon who has been infected with an anti-woke mind virus. And it’s killed his humanity.”
The controversy highlights the broader societal divide over transgender issues and the impact of public figures like Musk voicing such divisive opinions. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Musk’s comments are not only hurtful but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misinformation.
As the debate continues, Musk’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in gaining acceptance from their families. The backlash from his statements underscores the importance of support and understanding and the damaging effects when such support is withheld.
Musk’s controversial stance and the subsequent public reaction could have lasting implications for his personal and professional reputation, especially as discussions around gender identity and acceptance become increasingly prominent in public discourse.