During a discussion hosted by prominent Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, billionaire Elon Musk opened up about his eldest son, Xavier, coming out as transgender. Peterson questioned Musk on why he was willing to make “gender affirming care” an “issue,” to which Musk responded by sharing his experience with his son’s transition.
Musk explained that he was essentially “tricked” into signing documents for Xavier, who was 16 years old at the time, by being told that the teen might commit suicide. However, Peterson argued that this was a lie perpetuated by clinicians and that the higher suicide rate among transgender individuals is due to underlying mental health issues, not gender dysphoria.
As Musk continued to discuss his son’s transition, he expressed his frustration and anger towards the clinicians involved, stating that he believes they should be punished and even sent to prison for promoting such harmful practices. He also revealed that he was not fully informed about the effects of puberty blockers, which he now understands to be “just sterilization drugs.”
Musk then shared the heartbreaking news that he considers his son to be “dead” because he was “killed by the woke mind virus.” This is a reference to the term “deadnaming,” which is when someone uses a transgender person’s birth name instead of their chosen name. In Musk’s case, he feels that his son’s identity and former self have been erased.
The 50-year-old entrepreneur went on to explain that he believes his son’s transition was influenced by the progressive ideology promoted at his Los Angeles school, Crossroads. Musk also revealed that Xavier had cut off contact with him after becoming a communist.
The recent approval of Assembly Bill 1955 by California Governor Gavin Newsom served as Musk’s “last straw” and prompted him to make the decision to relocate his company’s headquarters, SpaceX, from California. The bill allows schools to refrain from notifying parents about their child’s sexuality or gender identity, a decision that Musk strongly disagrees with.
In his statement on the matter, Musk criticized California for passing laws that target both families and companies. The issue of transgender healthcare for minors has become a highly debated topic, with many parents and activists advocating for more control and informed consent over medical procedures.
My conversation with @elonmusk. Live today at 3pm ET. https://t.co/RyaZFmvC8i
— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) July 22, 2024
Musk’s personal experience with his son’s transition gives a powerful insight into the emotional toll and consequences of the current approach to transgender healthcare for minors. As he continues to speak out against these practices, it remains to be seen if more changes will be made to protect the well-being of young individuals.