Current:Home > ContactMarlon Wayans talks about his 'transition as a parent' of transgender son Kai: 'So proud' -Summit Capital Strategies
Marlon Wayans talks about his 'transition as a parent' of transgender son Kai: 'So proud'
Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-07 11:40:07
Marlon Wayans is opening up about his "transition as a parent" to a transgender child.
The actor and comedian, 51, revealed on "The Breakfast Club" radio show Friday that his oldest child is transgender and goes by they/them pronouns.
"I have a daughter that transitioned into a son," he began. "My daughter Amai is now Kai."
Wayans shares that he plans to talk about "my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance" in an upcoming comedy special. "I think there's a lot of parents out there who need to have that message, and I know I'm dealing with it.
The "Scary Movie" star said initially his 23-year-old son's transition was "a very painful situation for me" but it's led to one of his "funniest" specials. The comedian is considering the titles "Skittles" and "Rainbow Child" for the comedy special, he said.
Wayans admitted that although he isn't always a perfect parent – and occasionally mixes up Kai's pronouns – his eldest child knows he's "trying and that I'm happy. … I gotta respect their wishes."
"I just want my kids to be free. I want them to be free in spirit, free in thought, free to be themselves. The more you know yourself, the more you can govern yourself; the more you live your truth, the happier your existence," he declared. "So, if they can’t get that in the household with their father and their mother, who do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence?"
Wayans added: "I'm just so proud of them for being them. But that don't mean that they ain't got jokes!" He also shared that Kai was made aware of the comedic take on transitioning.
The comedian previously supported Kai when they came out prior to their transition.
"Happy pride to my pride and joy," he wrote on Instagram during Pride Month in 2019. "I wouldn’t change one effing thing about you. Love you to the moon around the sun through the galaxies and back again."
In the photo, Wayans' oldest sat with one leg stretched out in front, displaying a rainbow etched on the bottom of their sneaker.
Wayans shares sons Kai and Shawn, 21, with his ex Angelica Zachary.
Marlon Wayans' luggage disputecase dismissed; actor says he was targeted
veryGood! (55)
Related
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Kamala Harris, Donald Trump tied amongst bettors for election win after VP debate
- TikToker Taylor Rousseau Grigg Dead at Age 25
- Alabama's stunning loss, Missouri's unmasking top college football Week 6 winners and losers
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Mega Millions winning numbers for October 4 drawing: Jackpot at $129 million
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. edges Brad Keselowski to win YellaWood 500 at Talladega
- Meghan Markle Turns Heads in Red Gown During Surprise Appearance at Children’s Hospital Gala
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Two boys, ages 12 and 13, charged in assault on ex-NY Gov. David Paterson and his stepson
Ranking
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's crossword puzzle, Cross My Heart (Freestyle)
- US disaster relief chief blasts false claims about Helene response as a ‘truly dangerous narrative’
- Week 6 college football grades: Temple's tough turnover, Vanderbilt celebration lead way
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Says Marriage to Robyn Has Been Hurt More Than Relationships With His Kids
- New York Liberty end Las Vegas Aces' three-peat bid, advance to WNBA Finals
- What NFL game is on today? Saints at Chiefs on Monday Night Football
Recommendation
Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
Opinion: Nick Saban asked important college football question, and Vanderbilt offers a loud answer
Bachelor Nation's Clare Crawley Shares She Legally Married Ryan Dawkins One Year After Ceremony
Authorities are investigating after a Frontier Airlines plane lands with fire in one engine
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Billie Jean King named grand marshal for the 136th Rose Parade on Jan. 1
Mistrial declared again for sheriff accused of kicking shackled man in the groin
College Football Playoff predictions: Projecting who would make 12-team field after Week 6