Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently opened up about a very personal and painful part of his life: his relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. In a candid interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Dr. Jordan Peterson, Musk discussed the challenges he has faced since Vivian transitioned from male to female.
Musk revealed that he believes his daughter was influenced by what he calls the “woke mind virus,” which led her to pursue gender reassignment procedures. He expressed his deep concern and sorrow over her decision, describing gender reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” This strong language underscores the intensity of his feelings on the matter.
During the interview, Musk shared that Vivian, now 20 years old, underwent these gender-affirming procedures during the pandemic. He spoke about his struggles in coming to terms with her transition and how he feels about the societal influences that he believes contributed to her decision.
Musk’s comments have sparked a lot of discussions, especially around the topics of parental rights, gender identity, and the influence of societal norms on young people. His use of the term “woke mind virus” reflects his belief that current social and cultural trends are having a significant impact on youth, sometimes leading them to make irreversible decisions.
“I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys,” Musk told Peterson in a Daily Wire interview during which he referred to his child by their former name.
“This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on, and we had COVID going on, so there was a lot of confusion and I was told (Musk’s child) might commit suicide.”
“I was tricked into doing this,” Musk said. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead.”
“I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that,” Musk said. “And we’re making some progress.”
“I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form,” Wilson wrote in the petition.
This deeply personal revelation from one of the world’s most prominent figures highlights the complexities and emotional struggles that can come with a loved one’s gender transition. While Musk’s views are controversial and have garnered both support and criticism, his story brings to light the broader conversation about gender identity, parental roles, and the impact of societal pressures on individual choices.
As this conversation continues, it’s important to consider the diverse perspectives and experiences of those involved, striving for understanding and empathy in these deeply personal and often challenging situations.