Dee Snider found himself in hot water recently after voicing his support for KISS’ Paul Stanley as he made some controversial remarks about children’s early exploration of their gender identity. As fans accused Snider of transphobia, Rudy Sarzo recently posted a series of tweets to defend his fellow rocker.
The controversy began when Snider supported Paul Stanley’s views on gender affirmation and children’s sex reassignment surgeries. In response to Snider’s tweets, the San Francisco Pride Parade & Celebration removed him from their lineup, despite his previous history of supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.
Rudy Sarzo recently decided to step in and defend his longtime friend, Dee Snider, against the accusations of transphobia. Through a series of tweets, Sarzo debated with fans who implied Dee Snider was transphobic, and he had no right to talk about this issue as a straight man. The guitarist then vouched for Snider’s character and asserted that he is not homophobic.
Here is what Rudy Sarzo tweeted about Dee Snider on May 6:
“I’ve known Dee Snider for decades, and I vouch for him that there’s not a single homophobic molecule in his body. This is an uncalled-for character assassination. I stand with Dee Snider.”
A fan then tweeted:
“Couldn’t care less what a straight cis person thinks about this subject.”
Another fan tweeted on May 8 in response:
“I’m straight and cis, and think Dee Snider, Rudy Sarzo, and Paul Stanley need to learn a few things about transgender folks before they keep talking.”
Rudy Sarzo responded:
“I’ve never claimed to be an expert on transgender. Whatever people want to do with their lives is none of my business. What I do know is Dee Snider is not homophobic.“
The fan then said:
“Being transphobic is entirely different than being homophobic. Even if the Venn diagram of people who have those beliefs is nearly a perfect circle.”
Sarzo then posted a pic of Dee Snider in his iconic Twisted Sister look and tweeted:
“FYI: this is the man you’re calling transphobic.”
As the debate continues, Rudy Sarzo remains a steadfast supporter of Dee Snider, defending him against all odds. Meanwhile, Paul Stanley decided to take a step back and claimed his words were taken out of context.
https://twitter.com/libted666/status/1654673324289544208
Being transphobic is entirely different than being homophobic. Even if the Venn diagram of people who have those beliefs is nearly a perfect circle.
— Dylan Smith (@DSmith_Tucson) May 8, 2023
FYI: this is the man you’re calling transphobic. https://t.co/Nu0NigQifQ pic.twitter.com/ZeQeFcnCoA
— Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) May 8, 2023
