Last month, KISS’ Paul Stanley was criticized after posting a controversial statement about gender-affirming healthcare for kids. A few days later, he uploaded another statement backpedaling his initial comments and expressing a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
More recently, the KISS member was confronted by a TMZ reporter who was curious to know if Stanley had any words he wanted to share with the Transgender community celebrating Pride this month. In response, the KISS singer says: “I think everybody has the right to be who they are. Life’s too short to be anyone else.”
Stanley wraps up his message with a “That’s it,” but the reporter attempts to push him for more. Upon hearing his “that’s it,” the reporter replies back: “And celebrate who they are?”
To this, Stanley responds: “Well everybody should celebrate who they are. Be proud of who you are as long as it’s something worth being proud of.”
The reporter then says back, “And Transgender is being worth proud of, of course.”
In response to this, Stanley says: “Well, you know, that isn’t… what’s the criteria for being proud is being a good person. Not Transgender or any other gender.”
The reporter says, “Sure, no matter who you are.”
And Stanley says back, “You got it.” The reporter then goes on to ask if KISS will be doing anything to celebrate Pride, to which Stanley says no. They also ask him about his follow-up statement where he backpedaled his initial comments; Stanley is given the opportunity to clarify his comments, but the KISS singer turns down the opportunity.
Below you can find the video featuring the brief conversation between the TMZ reporter and Paul Stanley. Also, below the video, you will find a link to a story involving Dee Snider, where the singer provides his stance on Trans Rights.