A video has gone viral of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana during his New Jersey concert in late July, where he took a break to talk to the audience about an issue that was very important to him. While critics have claimed the speech was “anti-trans,” Santana simply stated that “a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it.”
In the video going viral on Thursday, Santana spoke to the crowd for several minutes after performing just one song — stating simple facts before returning to playing music for his fans.
“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” he began. “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business — I’m OK with that.”
He also expressed support to comedian Dave Chappelle, another famous individual who isn’t afraid to speak out against radical gender ideology and transgenderism.
“I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” Santana said.
Last night at a concert in New Jersey, rock legend Carlos Santana said “when God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are… a woman is a woman and a man is a man.”
pic.twitter.com/zCZibZIkM2— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 24, 2023
While Santana received backlash from the left for his comments, he did not back down — unlike many other celebrities who have caved to the pressure.
“A woman is a woman and a man is a man.”- Carlos Santana….and trans rights activists are losing their minds.😂 pic.twitter.com/dsc2GvSm1d
— Taylor Silverman (@tmsilverman) August 24, 2023
In a statement to Billboard, the legendary guitarist clarified his position on the matter but did not walk back the comments he made onstage.
“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not,” Santana wrote in the statement. “This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear.”
“It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace,” the statement continued.
