Marlon Wayans says he has a ‘natural instinct’ to protect his trans son
Marlon Wayans. (Shareif Ziyadat/Getty)
Marlon Wayans. (Shareif Ziyadat/Getty)
Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans has reaffirmed his love and support for his trans son Kai, saying when he came out it was his “natural instinct” as a parent to protect him.
Him star Wayans revealed in 2023 that his child is trans and has since spoken openly about his journey to accepting their transition and still loving them just the same, becoming a fierce advocate for parental support of trans kids.
His support of his son has also seen him publicly defend Kai against a slur made by rapper Soulja Boy; he also called out Elon Musk’s treatment of his trans daughter.
Appearing on the We In Miami podcast, Wayans admitted he did not expect to become a spokesperson for parents of trans youth, particularly fathers.
“I’m gonna love my baby regardless of what anybody says”
“I just did what my natural instinct as a father is, to protect my child,” he explained.
“People can judge and say what they want but at the end of the day that’s my child 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.”
During the podcast, Wayans was also asked about ex NBA star Dwayne Wade and actress Gabrielle Union and their support of their trans daughter Zaya, who came out in 2019 aged 12.
“When you’ve gone through the process everyone can try and judge but until you’re a parent of a trans child, yo, take a seat.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, you don’t understand what we struggle with. It’s not instant acceptance, but I call them evolved because that’s what you’re supposed to do.
“You’re supposed to align yourself with your children because you want your children ultimately to be happy and you try to make them happy and comfortable in their skin because you want them to live a nice happy life.”
He added that he is “proud that they’re showing up for their child” but more so is glad they are “showing up as an example for Black people”.
“We need more heroes like that, more examples like that,” he concluded.
