Controversy Over NY Times Father’s Day Essay

The New York Times recently faced criticism after publishing a Father’s Day essay about a transgender parent learning to be a ‘trans dad.’ The essay, titled “To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated,” appeared in comic-strip form and was written by Zach Ellams, a biological woman identifying as male. It focused on Ellams’ experience raising a daughter while addressing gender questions.

The comic illustrations depicted the child asking direct questions in everyday settings. In one scene, the daughter asked, “How long did you have breasts for, Dad?” while walking down the street. At a pool, she questioned, “How did you grow a mustache if you were a lady?” On a playground, she expressed her desire to grow a beard like her dad, to which another child said, “You can’t grow a beard. You’re a girl.” The daughter replied, “My dad did, and he was a girl.” The essay conveyed the child’s acceptance of Ellams’ gender identity, helping Ellams embrace his identity.

Critics reacted strongly to The Times publishing this piece on Father’s Day. Katie Miller, a podcaster and former aide for government efficiency, commented on X that The Times aimed to “corrupt our children.” Sean Davis, CEO of The Federalist, accused the paper of celebrating “playing daddy dress-up” on Father’s Day. Seth Dillon, from The Babylon Bee, stated The Times was celebrating “gender confused mothers.” Tim Young from The Heritage Foundation criticized the piece as well.

President Donald Trump also criticized The New York Times, but focused on its reporting on Iran, labeling their coverage as ‘treasonous’ on Truth Social. He promised to include the alleged inaccuracies in his lawsuit against the news outlet.

This backlash is part of recent controversies surrounding The Times, including criticism over an opinion column by Nicholas Kristof that faced condemnation from critics and the Israel Foreign Ministry earlier this year.