Millicent Cooke
Marlon Wayans has spoken out after his eldest child came out as transgender.
Wayans is an actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer best known for his work on hit comedy films such as Scary Movie, White Chicks and Netflix’s The Curse of Bridge Hollow.
The Little Man actor is also a prominent member of the Wayans family – one of the most successful celebrity families in Hollywood.
Wayans shares two children with his ex-wife Angelica Zachary: Kai, 23, and Shawn, 21.
The 51-year-old has now revealed that his eldest child is transgender – and uses he/they pronouns.
Related Article: Halsey Slammed The Press For Not Respecting Use Of Both She/Her And They/Them Pronouns
Related Article: Angelica Ross Accuses Emma Roberts Of Being Transphobic To Her On Set Of American Horror Story
The comedian opened up about Kai’s gender identity during a candid interview on The Breakfast Club with DJ Envy, Charlamagne tha God and Loren LoRosa.
Wayans spoke out about his son’s transition on the New York radio show while discussing his upcoming comedy special – which will be called either Skittles or Rainbow Child.
The Scary Movie 2 actor says he hopes his new stand-up routine, which was inspired by Kai, will help other parents in the same position.
Wayans explains: “It’s about my daughter. I have a daughter that transitioned into a son. My daughter Amai is now Kai.
“And so I talk about the transition – not his… their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance.”
He continues: “I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need that message and I know I’m dealing with it.
“It was a very painful situation for me but, man, it’s one of the best hours I could ever imagine.”
Wayans adds that he’s fully supportive of his child’s journey – though he might make the odd mistake every now and then.
During the interview, Wayans stumbles between the pronouns she, he, and they, which he acknowledges is still an obstacle he is trying to overcome.
View this post on Instagram
Speaking of his son, the comedian elaborates: “They know. They know I love them. They see me try and they’re like ‘I’m happy’.”
The Norbit actor adds that any ignorance he once had about the transgender community was quickly squashed when his son came out as transgender.
Wayans also reveals he was always going to accept his eldest son and love him unconditionally for exactly who he is.
He passionately explains: “I gotta respect their wishes and as a parent I just want my kids to be free – free in spirit, free in thought, free to be themselves.
Related Article: MrBeast’s Kris Tyson ‘Really Proud’ As She Shares New Name And Pronouns
Related Article: Demi Lovato Explains Why She Changed Her Pronouns From They/Them To She/Her
“The more you know yourself, the more you live your truth, the happier your existence.”
The comedian adds: “So if they can’t get that in a household with their father and their mother, how the f*** do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence?
“I’m just so proud of them for being them – but that don’t mean that I ain’t got jokes.”
The actor reveals that Kai has no objections to the jokes he tells in his upcoming skit, as he explains that the show will be both funny and meaningful.
Watch Marlon Wayans’ candid interview with The Breakfast Club below…
Wayans adds that he’s already performed Rainbow Child to a room full of world leaders, military generals and government officials.
Though it was daunting telling the jokes to a room full of influential people, the comedian pressed on because of what it represented – his children, comedy and change.
Fans were extremely moved by Wayans’ interview and took to social media to commend him.
One listener writes on X, formerly known as Twitter: “What an incredible man and excellent parent. Wow!”
“Love this. The type of dad I strive to be every day,” another chimes in.
“Beautiful. Absolutely phenomenal fatherhood,” a third writes.
Wayans is currently touring his latest stand-up special Good Grief but promises that Skittles or Rainbow Child is next on his to-do list.
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
