Marlon Wayans discussed parenthood and the importance of protecting and accepting his transgender son, Kai, in his appearance on a recent episode of the We in Miami podcast.
What did Marlon Wayans say about being a father to a transgender child?
During the interview, the comedian and actor was asked if he considers himself a spokesperson for fathers of transgender children. He responded by saying it was his “natural instinct” to protect Kai, 25, whom he shares with his former partner, Angelica Zachary.
“People can judge and say what they want, but at the end of the day, that’s my child,” the 53-year-old says in an Instagram clip. “And I’m gonna love my baby regardless of what anybody says, and they should be allowed to have their anonymity and enjoy their life exactly the way they want to enjoy it.”
He continued, “You can’t beat gay out of someone. You can’t hypnotize someone to not be transgender. You gotta accept and love them.”
Wayans reflected on his initial mixed emotions regarding Kai’s transition
As Blavity reported, Wayans opened up about Kai during an interview on The Breakfast Club, revealing that his latest comedy special at the time, that had the working title of Skittles or Rainbow Child, was about Kai’s transition.
“Skittles or Rainbow Child is about my daughter,” he said. “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.”
Since then, Wayans has been very outspoken about Kai’s transition and Wayans’ role as a parent to support and advocate for Kai and LGBTQIA+ rights.
When asked about Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union’s trans education regarding their daughter, Zaya Wade, on the We in Miami podcast, Wayans responded about the “struggles” parents with transgender children go through and praised the couple for supporting her.
‘We need more heroes like that’
“I’m proud that they’re showing up for their child,” Wayans said. “But moreso, I’m proud that they’re showing up as an example for Black people because in our culture, we look for reasons to separate us. Black family is important, and whatever you have to do to keep your beautiful, Black odd family together, that’s what you do. We need more heroes like that.”
Wayans also said that he would consider playing a gay role: “I ain’t slobbing no n***a down,” he joked. “I don’t trip. If it’s the right role — and depending on how they do it … if they wanna insinuate, great, but I don’t wanna be no Brokeback Mountain.”