The New York Times is under criticism after publishing a Father’s Day guest essay focusing on a transgender parent’s experience. The essay is titled “To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated” and was presented in comic-strip form. It was written by Zach Ellams, a biological woman identifying as male, discussing Ellams’ journey as a “trans dad” raising a daughter amidst gender-related questions.
Comic-strip illustrations depict the child asking questions about gender in everyday scenarios. “How long did you have breasts for, Dad?” the daughter asks while they walk down the street. Another scene at a pool sees the child questioning, “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.” The other child responds, “You can’t grow a beard. You’re a girl.” The daughter counters, “My dad did, and he was a girl.” The essay shows the child easily accepting Ellams’ gender identity, aiding Ellams in embracing their true self.
Critics are unhappy with The Times for publishing the essay on Father’s Day.
Katie Miller, podcaster and former Department of Government Efficiency aide, expressed concern on X, stating that the publication envisions “corrupting our children” through cartoons about being a trans parent. Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of The Federalist, accused the paper of using Father’s Day to honor “playing daddy dress-up” as the real essence of fatherhood.
Davis criticized The Times, saying they saluted “left-wing gender goblins” who believe that “mentally ill women mutilating themselves” and taking hormone injections represent fatherhood. Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, remarked that the Times celebrated “gender confused mothers” and asserted that although wokeness might be injured, it isn’t over.
Tim Young, a media fellow for strategic communications at The Heritage Foundation, also criticized the story, stating The Times shows disdain for “actual fathers” on Father’s Day.
These critiques coincided with President Donald Trump’s separate criticism of the outlet on Truth Social. The former president condemned the Times’ coverage of Iran, claiming it narrated “FAKE & MADE UP “FACTS”” and labeled it “TREASONOUS.” Trump announced he would add the outlet’s reporting to his lawsuit against them, accusing the publication of criminal behavior.
This controversy adds to previous challenges faced by The Times, including backlash earlier this year over an opinion column by Nicholas Kristof, which drew condemnation from critics and the Israel Foreign Ministry.
Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Formerly, she was a business reporter covering finance, energy, and tourism, with experience as a TV news producer. Compton graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].