Elon Musk, the 53-year-old CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently opened up about a deeply personal issue that has affected his family and influenced his business decisions. In a live interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson on X, Musk revealed that he was “tricked” into granting permission for his child to undergo puberty blockers. This disclosure sheds light on the complexities of parental rights and the ethical considerations surrounding gender identity treatments. Musk, who has an estimated net worth of over $200 billion, is a father to ten children, including his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson, formerly known as Xavier.
Relocation Decision
During the conversation, Peterson asked Musk about his decision to relocate SpaceX’s headquarters from California. Musk cited the state’s new legislation, Assembly Bill 1955, which allows schools to keep a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity confidential from their parents, as a key factor in his decision. This bill, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom on July 15, 2024, prompted Musk to move SpaceX’s headquarters to Texas.
Personal Struggle
Musk shared a personal experience involving his child, Vivian, who now identifies as transgender. He expressed his regret and frustration over being misled into consenting to puberty blockers for his child. “I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys, Xavier,” Musk said. “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 Xavier might commit suicide.”
Peterson’s Challenge
Peterson, known for his critical views on gender identity treatments, challenged the notion that gender dysphoria leads to higher suicide rates without considering underlying mental health issues. “That was a lie right from the outset. No reliable clinician ever believed that,” Peterson stated. He argued that depression and anxiety are the root causes, not gender dysphoria itself.
Musk’s Anger
Musk echoed these sentiments, expressing his anger over what he described as manipulation. “It’s incredibly evil. And I agree with you that the people that are promoting this should go to prison,” he asserted. “I was tricked into doing this. It wasn’t explained to me that puberty blockers are actually just sterilization drugs.”
Strained Relationship
Musk’s relationship with his daughter, Vivian, has been strained. Vivian, formerly known as Xavier, publicly announced her transgender identity in June 2022, at the age of 18. She also petitioned to legally change her name and adopt her mother’s surname, stating, “I no longer want to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.”
Feelings of Loss
Musk spoke candidly about his feelings of loss. “I lost my son, essentially. They call it ‘deadnaming’ for a reason. The reason they call it ‘deadnaming’ is because your son is dead, so my son, Xavier, is dead, killed by the woke mind virus.” He vowed to fight against what he perceives as a dangerous ideology, stating, “So I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that. And we’re making some progress.”
Business Impact
Musk’s personal experiences have significantly influenced his professional decisions. Last week, he announced plans to relocate the headquarters of SpaceX and X to Texas, citing the new California law that restricts schools from informing parents about changes to a student’s gender identity. “This is the final straw. Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas,” Musk wrote on X.
Calculated Move
He disclosed that his decision was not a spontaneous reaction but a calculated move, having warned Governor Newsom that he would relocate if the bill was signed into law. This relocation marks a significant shift for SpaceX, impacting employees and operations.
Medical Ethics
Musk’s revelations highlight the contentious debate over parental rights, gender identity, and medical ethics. A preprint study published by the Mayo Clinic earlier this year linked puberty blockers to irreversible long-term fertility issues in boys, contradicting previous claims of reversibility. The Mayo Clinic’s website states that puberty blockers, specifically GnRH analogues, are used to pause puberty in transgender and gender-diverse youth by stopping the production of sex hormones.
Broader Debate
Musk’s stance has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of parents, the role of medical professionals, and the impact of legislation on personal and professional lives. As a prominent public figure, his experiences and opinions carry significant weight in these debates.
Personal Challenges
Elon Musk’s candid discussion with Jordan Peterson provides a rare glimpse into the personal challenges faced by one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs. His decision to move SpaceX’s headquarters, influenced by both personal and legislative factors, underscores the complex interplay between private life and professional responsibilities. As Musk continues to navigate these challenges, his experiences contribute to the broader conversation about gender identity, parental rights, and the ethical considerations of medical treatments.
Influential Voice
Elon Musk’s personal and professional journey reflects his complex, multifaceted life. His decisions, influenced by deeply personal experiences, highlight significant societal issues. As he continues to lead and innovate, his voice remains a powerful one in the ongoing debates surrounding family rights, medical ethics, and business decisions.