The New York Times is facing criticism after publishing a Father’s Day guest essay about a transgender parent who describes learning how to be a “trans dad.” The essay, titled “To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated,” was published Sunday morning in a comic-strip format. It was written by Zach Ellams, a biological woman who identifies as male, and focuses on Ellams’ experience raising a daughter while navigating questions about gender.
Several illustrations depict the child asking direct questions about gender and appearance. One panel shows the daughter asking, “How long did you have breasts for, Dad?” as they walk down the street. In another scene at a pool, the child asks, “How did you grow a mustache if you were a lady?” A separate panel shows the daughter on a playground telling another child, “I want to grow a beard when I grow up.” The other child responds, “You can’t grow a beard. You’re a girl,” to which the daughter replies, “My dad did, and he was a girl.”
The essay suggests the child accepts Ellams’ gender identity easily, helping the author embrace who they are. Critics, however, condemned the publication for choosing to run the piece on Father’s Day. Critics on social media accused the paper of promoting controversial views on gender and family roles.
Podcaster Katie Miller and others criticized the Times for publishing cartoons about being a trans dad on Father’s Day. Sean Davis, CEO of The Federalist, accused the paper of using the holiday to celebrate what he called “playing daddy dress-up.” Davis and others argued that the publication promotes ideas they consider harmful or confusing to children. Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, called the piece an example of “wokeness” overshadowing traditional values.
The controversy coincided with criticism from political figures, including President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social accusing the Times of biased coverage of Iran and threatening legal action. The ongoing backlash adds to previous criticisms of The New York Times over other opinion pieces and coverage related to gender and international issues, according to reports.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
