Current:Home > ContactMarlon Wayans talks about his 'transition as a parent' of transgender son Kai: 'So proud' -Mastery Money Tools
Marlon Wayans talks about his 'transition as a parent' of transgender son Kai: 'So proud'
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-08 08:55:30
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! (693)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Many teens don't know how to swim. A grassroots organization is trying to change that
- Stationmaster charged in Greece train crash that killed 57
- Historic treaty reached to protect marine life on high seas
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Get Whiter Teeth in 6 Minutes and Save 58% On This Supersmile Product Bundle
- How Hoda Kotb Stopped Feeling Unworthy of Motherhood
- Being a TV writer has changed — and so have the wages, says 'The Wire' creator
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- NAACP Image Awards 2023 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look as the Stars Arrive
Ranking
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- 'The Little Mermaid' reimagines cartoon Ariel and pals as part of your (real) world
- James Corden's The Late Late Show Finale Plans Revealed
- Brian Austin Green Calls Out Ex Vanessa Marcil for Claiming She Raised Their Son Kassius Alone
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Three great songs for your next road trip
- Where to watch Broadway's Tony Awards on Sunday night
- Why Ke Huy Quan’s 2023 SAG Awards Speech Inspired Everyone Everywhere All at Once
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Actor Treat Williams, star of 'Hair' and 'Everwood', is killed in a motorcycle crash
He was expelled after he refused to cut his afro. 57 years later, he got his degree
Letting go of hate by questioning the very idea of evil
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
New and noteworthy podcasts by Latinos in public media to check out now
Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb on Face the Nation, March 5, 2023
The Academy of American Poets names its first Latino head