New York Times Faces Criticism Over Father’s Day Transgender Parenting Essay

The New York Times has come under criticism following the publication of a Father’s Day guest essay featuring a transgender parent’s experience. The essay, titled “To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated,” appeared on Sunday in a comic-strip format and was authored by Zach Ellams, a biological woman identifying as male. It centers on Ellams’ journey in raising a daughter while dealing with gender-related issues.

In the essay, several illustrations depict the child asking straightforward questions in everyday scenarios. “How long did you have breasts for, Dad?” inquires the daughter during a walk. Another scene at a pool has the child asking, “How did you grow a mustache if you were a lady?” On a playground, the daughter tells another child, “I want to grow a beard when I grow up,” prompting the response, “You can’t grow a beard. You’re a girl.” To which Ellams’ daughter replies, “My dad did, and he was a girl.” The essay portrays the child’s acceptance of Ellams’ gender identity, which aids the author in embracing their identity more completely.

Critics, however, have condemned The Times for publishing such a piece on Father’s Day. Katie Miller, a podcaster and former Department of Government Efficiency aide, criticized the publication on social media, arguing that it seeks to negatively influence children. Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of The Federalist, accused the newspaper of using the occasion to promote a skewed vision of fatherhood. According to Davis, they celebrated “playing daddy dress-up” as the “true embodiment of fatherhood.”

Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, also added that “gender confused mothers” are being celebrated on Father’s Day, indicating a sign of social trends. Tim Young, associated with The Heritage Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating that The New York Times appears to disregard conventional fatherhood.

On the same day, separate criticism came from President Donald Trump on Truth Social. He expressed discontent over the outlet’s reporting on Iran, labeling it as “FAKE & MADE UP ‘FACTS'” and “TREASONOUS.” Trump indicated plans to include these grievances in his ongoing lawsuit against them.

These incidents contribute to ongoing controversies surrounding The Times, including backlash from earlier this year over an opinion piece by Nicholas Kristof that was criticized by various parties, including the Israel Foreign Ministry.