Alice Cooper Loses Partnerships After Statement
Alice Cooper, legendary rock singer of hits such as “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy”, has found himself in hot water for his recent comments regarding transgenderism.
According to the New York Post, Cooper’s controversial remarks came as he spoke to Stereogum about other famous rockers who have publicly shown their opposition to the transgender movement. He referred to it as a “fad” and stated his concern that it was causing confusion for young children who are still trying to find their identity.
In his statement, he voiced his concern about allowing “six-year-old kids who have no idea” to become gender-affirming.
“I mean, if you identify as a tree. … And I’m going, ‘Come on! What are we in, a Kurt Vonnegut novel?’ It’s so absurd, that it’s gone now to the point of absurdity,” he said.
Cooper has also openly derided the “woke” movement and dubbed it “laughable”, noting how it extends its control with regard to what it is and is not appropriate to say.
Unsurprisingly, his comments mounted outcry from several, including Vampyre Cosmetics, who had just weeks prior signed a collaboration deal with him. The cosmetics company was quick to issue a statement on their Instagram account, announcing the cancellation of the contract due to his remarks. “We stand with all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and believe everyone should have access to healthcare,” Vampyre Cosmetics posted.
Cooper’s comments have been widely shared and criticized within the LGBT+ community, and many have called for a greater understanding of gender identities other than male or female.
Though Alice Cooper may be seeing the consequences of his words, his comments still hint at a wider issue of a lack of information on transgenderism and gender identity in the United States. It is essential that we, as members of the queer community, remain open about educating others on the movement’s goals and values.
Alice Cooper’s comments, however, have certainly set the transgender community back and have alienated an ally from the movement. We must move forward and continue to work together for a better and more inclusive future.