Marc Almond deletes ‘anti-trans’ tweets before claiming: ‘I’ve got that out of my system’
Marc Almond tweeted a series of since deleted anti-trans messages. (David Wolff/Patrick/Redferns via Getty/Twitter)
Singer Marc Almond has deleted a series of anti-trans tweets, saying he “draws the line after LGBT” and anything after that is “alienating, not inclusive”.
The gay Soft Cell musician took to Twitter to share his thoughts, but quickly deleted them after backlash from users before branding them as needed to “get rid of that rage”.
In the series of alleged tweets, Almond slammed those who use diverse labels to define their gender identity and sexual orientation, while also referring to himself with labels.
While the tweets appeared to have been deleted, fans and followers were quick to share screenshots.
Marc Almond is not “playing the game” of gender identity.
“I’ve always wanted a world without labels, one big melting pot as Blue Mink said (sorry bad song) or People Are People as Depeche Mode said. Now I have over 100 to choose from.
“Sorry not paying that game,” said one tweet, according to a screenshot.
To my Irish friends who might be fans of Marc Almond, he's come out as anti trans.
TERF's are now adopting him as one of their own.
While he deleted this tweet, he later doubled down on attacking trans people.
Had already lost respect for him being prepared to play Israel. pic.twitter.com/3yOCx7dXOo
— Stephen Lewis (@vegansmithsfan) September 17, 2019
and this one pic.twitter.com/Y0hkYHYEQO— Banquo's Ghost (@_banquos_ghost_) September 17, 2019
He added in another: “I’m a bloke, male, someone who likes to explore a feminine side depending on how I feel, or what kind of show I’m doing, always have, as many from my Gen did. Didn’t need a label don’t want want one now.”
“I draw the line after LGBT as well,” he said, “I won’t add all those extra things.
“I find it ridiculous and alienating NOT inclusive,” Almond said, reported OutInPerth.
Some fans pointed out that the singer, while advocating for a word without labels, was quick to then refer to himself using labels.
As one follower said: “For someone who pushed the boundaries in gender it’s a shame you are criticising someone who does it in a different way to you (ironically by labelling yourself as a bloke).
“No respect lost for you though. You’re shamazing. I just disagree with you.”
“I’ve made my point and got that out of my system,” Soft Cell singer says.
The ‘Tainted Love’ singer then went onto tweet about genderless bathrooms, as seen in further screenshots. Providing restrooms for everyone on the gender spectrum has emerged as a crucial legislative fight for trans and non-binary advocates.
“WOMEN now have to use a toilet where a MAN has pissed all over the seat,” he said.
“Heard so many complaining at venues. But people are scared to complain because of the righteous ‘I’m offended’ fascists.” Almond added, according to screenshots.
You mean this tweet pic.twitter.com/0OFoFQEQTE— Banquo's Ghost (@_banquos_ghost_) September 17, 2019
After the tweets appeared to have been deleted, Almond posted a follow-up tweet describing the anti-trans tweets as “rage”.
“There, I’ve made my point and got that out of my system. Just got rid of that rage. Don’t need to linger on that,” he wrote.
There I’ve made my point and got that out of my system. Just got rid of that rage. Don’t need to linger on that. Now I can go back to posting the mundane .best thing on here but glad so many felt as I do.— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) September 17, 2019
“Now I can go back to posting the mundane .best [sic] thing on here but glad so many felt as I do.”
The tweets divided his fanbase. Supporters expressed their dismay at him appearing to have removed the tweets, while others said they were alarmed to see them from a synth pop singer with a history of gender non-conformity.
One fan responded to his follow-up: “To think you were a beacon for the LGBTQ community.
“Now your [sic] abandoning a part of it.”
Almond rose to prominence as one half ofSoft Cell as they soared up the early 80s top charts before he branched off into a solo career in the latter half of the century.
In a 2017 interview with The Herald, Almond said he feels the queer community he grew up with in the 60s is one different to today.
“Now I feel [gay] people are very divided. I hate the way the LGBT thing has emerged. It separates.”
Amid the criticism, singer Boy George jumped in to support Almond, saying he doesn’t believe for a nano second that Marc Almond is transphobic.”
Loved your gig at the Apollo. In fact, I increased my brass section after seeing you. Yes, all this PC stuff is giving me a headache too. Bring back Julie Burchill. She knew how to dismantle a career! https://t.co/0eI4MRxLYG
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) September 21, 2019
Almond added that he has trans friends and called the condemnation of his tweets “Twitter hysteria.”
“All this PC stuff is giving me a headache, too,” added George.
Following PinkNews’ request for comment, Marc Almond said: “The tweets actually referred to my rage about other political matters (like we all are presently) and labelling myself as ‘a bloke’ was, of course a joke, as any intelligent person could see. I delete most of my tweets, which has nothing to do with backtracking – well, not always.
“Of course I’m not transphobic and to even suggest it is ridiculous and quite offensive. I’ve always supported the fluidity of genders and have of course dealt with varying genders in a lot of my songs.
“I have trodden where others wouldn’t dare at a time when most people were in the closet. I have experimented with gender types myself when others choose not to.”
