TL;DR
- Shane McAnally shares a video of his baby.
- Conservatives react with outrage online.
- The video humorously features the baby saying ‘mama’.
- Critics accuse the couple of depriving the child of a mother.
- Studies show kids of same-sex parents fare well.
In a world where the absurd often meets the adorable, gay country music star Shane McAnally has found himself at the center of a bizarre controversy. The Grammy-winning artist recently posted a light-hearted video featuring his baby, Texson, which has sent conservative commentators into a frenzy. The video, which captures a playful moment between McAnally, his husband Michael Baum, and their son, features the baby babbling and attempting to say ‘mama’ after being asked who he prefers: ‘dada or pop.’
With the cheeky overlay text stating, “baby has 2 dads… chose neither,” it’s no wonder the clip went viral. But instead of laughs, it sparked a wave of outrage from right-wing fans who were quick to unleash a torrent of homophobic insults. “That’s not funny. Someone please save this baby,” one outraged commenter lamented on Instagram. Another chimed in with a plea for child protective services to intervene, claiming the video was harmful.
As the video made its way across social media platforms, the conservative Right Angle New Network reposted it, igniting even more backlash. Comments ranged from the ridiculous to the downright offensive, with one user declaring, “This is evil and disgustingly so. Why give a baby to two men?” It’s a sad reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding LGBTQ parenting in a society that still grapples with acceptance.
Despite the negativity, McAnally’s lighthearted content is a refreshing take on parenting, showcasing the joys and challenges of raising children in a queer family. The couple, who welcomed Texson via surrogate last October, are no strangers to criticism, but they continue to share their family moments with pride. In a previous video, they humorously labeled their newborn as a “6 week old homophobic baby” when he frowned at the mention of having two dads.
Research consistently shows that children raised by same-sex parents fare just as well as those raised in heterosexual households. Yet, the rise of conservatism in the U.S. has emboldened many to voice their disdain for same-sex parenting openly. McAnally’s experience is just one of many instances highlighting the need for continued advocacy and support for LGBTQ families.
As the backlash continues, it’s essential to remember that love knows no gender. McAnally and Baum are simply doing what any loving parents do: raising their child in a nurturing environment. So, the next time you see a cute baby video, remember that laughter and love should always come first, regardless of who the parents are.