Marlon Wayans, known for his roles in White Chicks and Scary Movie, has opened up about a deeply personal aspect of his family life – his eldest child's gender transition.
During an appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show, the 51-year-old actor and comedian shared insights into his son Kai's journey and his own evolution as a parent.
Kai, who was assigned female at birth and named Amai, is now 23 years old. Wayans revealed the transition during a discussion about his upcoming stand-up show, potentially titled Rainbow Child or Skittles.
He explained, "I have a daughter that transitioned into a son. My daughter Amai is now Kai, and so, I talk about the transition."
But for Wayans, it's not just about Kai's transition; it's also about his own transformation as a parent. He admitted to initially struggling with ignorance and denial but eventually reached a place of complete unconditional love and acceptance. "It was a very painful situation for me," Wayans said, "but, man, it's one of the best hours I could ever imagine."
Wayans, who shares Kai and a younger son, Shawn, 21, with ex-partner Angela Zackery, acknowledged that he occasionally stumbles over pronouns but is fully committed to supporting Kai. "They know I love them," he stated, recognizing the need to improve his understanding of gender identity.
The actor's journey to acceptance wasn't without challenges. Any former misunderstandings about the transgender community were dispelled when Kai came out as transgender. Wayans passionately expressed his commitment to his son's freedom and happiness. "The more you know yourself, the more you live your truth, the happier your existence," he reflected.
In his conversation with hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Lauren LaRosa, Wayans emphasized the importance of providing a supportive and confident home environment. "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?" he questioned.
Wayans' approach to parenting is not just about acceptance; it's also about incorporating his experiences into his comedy. He revealed that Kai is comfortable with the jokes in the upcoming skit, emphasizing that the show's purpose goes beyond humor. It's about progress, his children, and comedy.
Wayans has already tested the waters by performing Rainbow Child in front of a room full of military generals, world leaders, and government officials. Despite the initial apprehension, he persisted, driven by the message of inclusivity and understanding.
The response from viewers on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Wayans for his exceptional parenting. Comments range from admiration for his fatherhood skills to accolades for his phenomenal approach to raising his children.
Wayans is currently on tour with his comedy set Good Grief, stating that Rainbow Child will be his next project.