Rapper Nicki Minaj has addressed her controversial stance on transgender youth, emphasizing her opposition to gender-affirming surgeries for minors, despite such procedures being exceedingly rare.
During an appearance on The Katie Miller Podcast on Tuesday, Minaj, 43, was asked about her strong opposition to California Governor Gavin Newsom. When questioned whether her criticism stemmed from Newsom’s support for trans youth, the “Starships” performer clarified her position.
“I want to make it clear. I personally don’t have an issue with the trans part of the LGBT at all,” Minaj said. “I am the biggest advocate for adults being able to do whatever the heck they wanna do, they’re adults. I don’t care.”
Minaj then compared gender-affirming surgery for minors to cosmetic procedures like breast implants. “Ninety-nine per cent of the parents would not let their 17-year-old child get breast implants. If you wouldn’t let a child get breast implants, you’re not gonna want them to have any kind of surgery. We all know the brain is not developed,” she added.
In the United States, gender-affirming surgeries—including chest feminization or masculinization, vaginoplasty, and phalloplasty—are rarely performed on patients under 18. According to the Human Rights Campaign, such surgeries are only considered “clinically necessary” in rare cases to alleviate severe depression or suicidal ideation caused by gender dysphoria. These procedures require patients to have a persistent gender identity over several years, prior access to hormone therapy, and extensive consultations with doctors and parents.
Despite these safeguards, Minaj claimed that minors who undergo gender-affirming surgeries are “19 times more likely” to die by suicide. She said, “What more do you need to know? That a child is 19 times more likely to commit suicide if they have surgery before they’re an adult? I just wanted to make that clear. Of course, I don’t judge adults, they can do whatever they want.”
Experts note that Minaj’s statistic is based on a 2011 study involving 324 trans participants, which did not focus on youth or directly link surgery to suicide. Researchers emphasize that higher suicide rates among trans people are often attributed to discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion rather than medical care. More recent studies suggest that gender-affirming care can improve mental health outcomes for trans youth.
Minaj did not comment on transgender minors who transition socially without medical intervention.
The rapper has recently attracted additional controversy, including a false claim against model Chrissy Teigen and the use of a homophobic slur toward journalist Don Lemon. Minaj also reiterated her support for former President Donald Trump, citing his treatment by political opponents as a reason for her allegiance.
