The New York Times has faced criticism following the publication of a Father’s Day essay about a transgender parent learning how 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 a male. It focused on Ellams’ experience raising a daughter and dealing with gender questions.

Illustrations in the essay depict the child asking direct questions in everyday situations. In one panel, the daughter asks, “How long did you have breasts for, Dad?” while walking with Ellams. Another scene at a pool features the child asking, “How did you grow a mustache if you were a lady?”

Further panels show the daughter interacting with other children, expressing a wish to grow a beard when she grows up. One child replies, “You can’t grow a beard. You’re a girl”. Ellams’ daughter counters, “My dad did, and he was a girl”. The essay conveys how the child seems to accept Ellams’ gender identity, aiding Ellams in embracing their identity.

Critics have heavily criticized The Times for publishing the essay on Father’s Day. Katie Miller, a podcaster and former aide at the Department of Government Efficiency, expressed her concerns on X, stating the publication could corrupt children. Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of The Federalist, accused the paper of using Father’s Day to celebrate “playing daddy dress-up” as representative of fatherhood.

Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee, echoed similar sentiments. He noted that the paper is celebrating gender-confused mothers on Father’s Day and that wokeness is not entirely diminished. Tim Young from The Heritage Foundation also voiced disapproval.

That same day, President Donald Trump criticized The New York Times on Truth Social for their coverage on Iran, accusing them of reporting “fake” facts. The backlash adds to other recent controversies involving The Times, including criticism earlier in the year over an opinion column by Nicholas Kristof. Sophia Compton, a writer at Fox News Digital, contributes to these discussions. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].