Renowned musician Carlos Santana finds himself at the center of a storm following the circulation of a video capturing him making contentious statements about gender during a live performance. In the footage, the iconic singer of “Oye Como Va” addresses the audience between songs, expressing, “When God made you and me—before we emerged from the womb, you already know your essence. Subsequently, as life progresses, you might begin to question, to contemplate a different path, but deep down, a woman remains a woman, a man remains a man. It’s that simple. Whatever unfolds privately, that’s personal. I respect that.”
Santana concludes his address by intertwining his hands, a gesture he shares with comedian Dave Chappelle. Chappelle, known for his controversial comedy, has recently drawn ire due to jokes that have been criticized as anti-trans. His comedic material has provoked backlash, with Minneapolis’ First Avenue club canceling a Chappelle show and pledging to maintain an inclusive environment.
Reportedly, Santana delivered this speech during a performance in Atlantic City the previous month. He has since released a statement to Billboard, articulating, “My aspiration is to honor and value all viewpoints and beliefs, regardless of one’s LGBTQ identity. We inhabit a world of diverse perspectives, and we’ve all been bestowed with this gift of free will.”
Santana’s statement continues, “I now commit to pursuing this objective—to find happiness, revel in life, and encourage everyone to embrace their truths without trepidation. It takes courage to flourish and radiate in the authenticity of one’s being. We evolve, learning to illuminate our path with love and encouragement. May your existence be resplendent.”
In recent weeks, other prominent rock musicians have joined the discourse, echoing similar sentiments. Paul Stanley and Dee Snider faced criticism for dismissing gender-affirming care for minors. Alice Cooper, too, weighed in, expressing his concerns about the trendiness of transgender identification among youth.
A spokesperson for Carlos Santana has yet to respond to inquiries from Variety.
The conversation ignited by Santana’s remarks underscores the ongoing dialogue within the music industry and society at large regarding gender identity and acceptance. As artists express divergent viewpoints, the LGBTQ community and its allies remain engaged in shaping an inclusive and understanding cultural landscape.