Celebrities like comedian Dave Chapelle and writer J. K. Rowling have come under intense criticism for their thoughts on the topic of transgenderism and what makes a woman a woman. With politicians unable to answer such a simple question, in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill into law, making the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity banned in kindergarten. As the issue continues to be debated, recently singer Macy Gray discussed the meaning of woman and how changing “your parts doesn’t make a woman.”

Speaking with Piers Morgan on Monday, Gray said, “just because you go change your parts doesn’t make a woman. If you want me to call you a ‘her,’ I will, because that’s what you want. But that doesn’t make you a woman, just because I call you a ‘her’ and just because you got a surgery.” The singer continued, “Women go through just a completely unique experience. And surgery or finding yourself doesn’t change that. Being a little girl is a whole epic book, and you can’t have that just because you want to be a woman.” 

Much like Chapelle and Rowling, it wasn’t long before Gray was labeled ignorant, transphobic, and even a TERF. Still, the singer didn’t appear too fazed by the backlash as she tweeted, “all of you coming on my page, threatening me and calling me names — just [because] I said something you don’t agree with — be whatever you wanna be, and [fuck] off.”

Gray defended her stance, saying “I wasn’t defining trans women. Just women. Because I know what it means to be one. I don’t know what it means to be a trans woman and never said I did. But that goes both ways.” She was sure to note her love for the LGBTQ community, “nothing but love for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community, and have been a supporter since day one. My statement on Piers Morgan was grossly misunderstood. I don’t hate anyone. I respect everyone’s right to feel comfortable in their bodies and live their own truth.”

Users online shared support for Gray, writing, “I agree. These trans people play dress up and want to be called women. NO they did survive the “roller coaster “ years. They did not deal with the natural changes young women go through. I guarantee most trans would run screaming if they had to put up with the monthly crap. We natural born women have EARNED our title.”