Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has retracted an apology he posted on his Facebook page following the circulation of a viral video where he expressed views suggesting that transgender individuals should remain private about their identity. In the video, recorded during a July concert in Atlantic City, Santana paused the show to share his thoughts on gender identity with the audience of 5,000 attendees.
Santana stated in the video that individuals inherently know their gender before birth and that they should adhere to their birth-assigned gender. He mentioned that he's accepting of whatever choices people make in private but emphasized his belief in a binary understanding of gender.
Initially, Santana issued an apology via email and Facebook, expressing regret for hurting people and apologizing to the transgender community. However, he later deleted the apology and replaced it with a concise poem about energy and love.
The incident led to criticism from various quarters, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. San Francisco Pride's executive director and board president stated that Santana's comments were disheartening, especially considering his status as a prominent Bay Area resident. They emphasized the importance of responsible discourse, particularly given the challenges faced by transgender individuals in society.
The incident occurred amidst ongoing debates and legislation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the US, including bills affecting transgender athletes and gender-affirming medical care.
The video's release coincided with Santana's upcoming documentary, "Carlos: The Santana Journey," which is set to premiere in September. The documentary covers Santana's life, from his upbringing in Tijuana, Mexico, to his rise in the San Francisco music scene and global fame.
Although Santana's career and life have seen various chapters, he is set to resume his residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.