In recent weeks, Elon Musk’s comments about his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, have reignited debates about gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Musk claimed he was “tricked” into supporting his child’s transition and that the “woke mind virus” had effectively killed his “son.” However, Wilson’s own words and experiences tell a starkly different story—one that underscores the life-changing benefits of gender-affirming care and the importance of listening to transgender individuals themselves.

Musk’s high-profile statements come at a time when several U.S. states and entire countries are pushing to criminalize gender-affirming treatments for minors, and some political commentators are suggesting that adopting anti-transgender stances could be electorally advantageous. Yet these positions fly in the face of established medical consensus and the lived experiences of transgender individuals like Wilson.

In this article, I’ll examine why Elon Musk is wrong about his daughter and gender-affirming care, drawing on Wilson’s own statements, scientific research, and expert medical opinions. I’ll explore how Wilson’s story actually provides compelling evidence for the positive outcomes of gender-affirming care and why political efforts to restrict such care are not only cruel but fundamentally misguided. Ultimately, I’ll make the case that medical decisions—whether regarding gender-affirming treatments or other personal health matters, such as abortion—are best left to patients, their doctors, and in the case of minors, their parents, rather than being dictated by government legislation or political expediency.

Wilson’s story provides a powerful counterpoint to her father’s claims. Far from being “killed” by gender-affirming care, Wilson is a 20-year-old college student who has found the strength to speak out against misinformation about her own life.

In her first public interview, Wilson directly challenged Musk’s narrative. “I think he was under the assumption that I wasn’t going to say anything and I would just let this go unchallenged,” she stated. “Which I’m not going to do, because if you’re going to lie about me, like, blatantly to an audience of millions, I’m not just gonna let that slide.”

Wilson’s account of her relationship with Musk starkly contrasts with his public statements. She described him as an absent father, stating, “He was there, I want to say, maybe 10% of the time. That’s generous.” When he was present, Vivian recalls him as “cold,” “very quick to anger,” and “uncaring and narcissistic.” She recounts instances of Musk berating her for exhibiting feminine traits, including one in fourth grade where he “was constantly yelling at me viciously because my voice was too high.”

Contrary to Musk’s claim of being tricked into authorizing her treatment, Wilson asserts that he was fully informed when he consented to her gender-affirming care at age 16. She states, “He was not by any means tricked. He knew the full side effects,” explaining that Musk read the medical forms at least twice before signing them.

Her journey also illuminates the typical timeline of gender identity realization and disclosure. She came out twice: first as gay in eighth grade and then as transgender at 16. This aligns with research showing that many transgender individuals realize their identity years before disclosing it to others, countering notions of sudden or externally influenced gender identity changes.

The positive impact of gender-affirming care is evident in Wilson’s ability to live authentically. She emphasizes her autonomy and self-determination, stating, “I am an adult. I am 20........

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