Azealia Banks, the Harlem-born rapper once hailed as a rising star in hip-hop, is once again facing intense backlash — this time for making inflammatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community. In a now widely criticized post on X (formerly Twitter), Banks claimed that being gay or transgender is “not natural,” prompting swift condemnation from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates.
The comments were made in response to another user’s accusation that Banks was “rationalizing abuse” as a coping mechanism. In a repost, the 33-year-old rapper wrote:
“Well being gay and transgender is not actually a natural thing. At all, it’s a trauma response.
Science lied to you all and told you, you were normal but being homosexual and on the more extreme end — transgender in any regard is in fact — a trauma response.
No one is born gay, and no one is born in the wrong body. You guys have mental disorders that science is doing you guys a major disservice by not medicating.
Bet you didn’t know that.”
Banks’ post quickly drew criticism across social media, with many users labeling the comments as hateful, transphobic, and scientifically inaccurate. LGBTQ+ organizations and allies were quick to respond, emphasizing that both homosexuality and gender diversity are naturally occurring and supported by decades of scientific and medical research.
To set the record straight: being LGBTQ+ is not a “trauma response.” Major health organizations — including the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the American Medical Association — have all affirmed that being gay, bisexual, or transgender is a normal variation of human sexuality and gender identity. There is no credible scientific evidence supporting Banks’ claims.
“You outdo your own dumbassery”
The internet’s response to Banks’ remarks was swift and severe. “You outdo your own dumbassery every time you tweet, it’s actually impressive,” one user wrote. Another added, “It’s like you are purposely trying as hard as possible to be the most unlikable person in music.”
Others took the moment to call for accountability. Some fans pointed out that Banks has historically performed at LGBTQ+ events, including Pride festivals — most notably a now-infamous 2022 Miami Pride set, which ended prematurely when she stormed off stage after her mic was cut. Video footage from the event showed Banks throwing her microphone and exiting amid a chorus of boos.
“She has no business performing at any LGBTQ+ event ever again,” one commenter stated. “Stop giving her a platform in our spaces.”
A History of Controversy
Banks’ latest statements are unfortunately not an isolated incident. Over the years, the artist has gained a reputation for incendiary behavior on and offline. While some moments have been dismissed as trolling or attention-seeking, others have crossed a line into openly offensive territory.
In 2020, she was suspended from Twitter for a series of posts calling for the cancelation of “luxury transgender healthcare,” an attack that was broadly denounced by advocates and medical professionals alike. Despite multiple bans from social media platforms, Banks has consistently returned through new accounts, often reengaging in the same pattern of behavior.
Banks has also feuded publicly with several high-profile figures in entertainment and tech, including Elon Musk, with whom she reportedly had a romantic connection in 2018. In between controversial takes and public fallouts, she’s occasionally garnered praise for speaking out on industry issues — but critics have long pointed out that moments of clarity are rare amid her increasingly polarizing rhetoric.
Fans and Communities Distance Themselves
In light of her most recent comments, some LGBTQ+ fans say they’re finally done giving Banks another chance.
“She’s always been a ‘broken clock,’ but this crosses a line,” one user wrote, referencing the long-running sentiment that Banks is occasionally right — but usually for the wrong reasons. “There’s no reclaiming this. You don’t get to profit off queer people and then turn around and call them mentally ill.”
Others expressed frustration with platforms that continue to give Banks visibility, urging Pride organizers, music festivals, and media outlets to stop booking her altogether.
“It’s time to stop pretending she’s controversial or complicated,” said one LGBTQ+ content creator on TikTok. “She’s just spreading hate now. Period.”
