For many on the American left, Father’s Day has turned into a chance to air grievances—kind of like Columbus Day. This past Sunday, The New York Times didn’t miss the opportunity either.
A few days after a Canadian publication suggested rethinking the holiday, major American newspapers shifted the focus of Father’s Day discussions toward women who struggle with acceptance of reality.
In an essay titled “For My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated,” Zach Ellams, a transgender woman, explores her imagined experience of fatherhood and the complexities her daughter faces. The piece was featured prominently in the Times.
Ellams begins by recounting life as a trans man. After having a child with her lesbian partner, she felt compelled to learn what it means to be a trans father. This learning process seems to have evolved into teaching her child, whom she refers to as Elliott, some rather questionable lessons. The young girl expressed curiosity about her mother’s new appearance and even tried to convince classmates that growing a beard was possible for her.
There’s no clear indication of who among the couple gave birth to their daughter.
The essay wraps up with Ellams reflecting that she believed she was teaching her daughter happiness and safety, only to realize that the reverse was true.
Reactions to the Times column were mixed, with some critics ridiculing the paper for choosing a dysphoric narrative for Father’s Day. Investigative journalist Matt Taibbi labeled it as an “all-time” article, admitting he’s unsure where it lands on the spectrum of humor versus horror.
Former Times journalist Alex Berenson remarked on how the essay exemplifies the prevailing attitudes among cultural elites toward fatherhood, suggesting that for the Times, being a father equates to feeling secure enough to undergo significant personal transformations.
Sean Davis, CEO of Federalist, added his thoughts, sarcastically lauding the paper for celebrating figures who embody a controversial approach to parenthood. Meanwhile, conservative commentator Michael Knowles cracked a joke about the challenges of modern liberal ideals.
This essay appeared soon after actress Elliot Page, formerly known as Ellen Page, underwent surgery and attempted to redefine “healthy masculinity,” a concept she suggested involves more emotional expression and perhaps an unusual fixation on bananas.
