How Marlon Wayans Wants To Help Parents With Transgender Kids
By Afouda Bamidele on November 13, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST
Marlon Wayans is officially the doting father of two good-looking young men following his oldest child's transition. The "Scary Movie" star's ward, formerly known as Amai, now goes by the name Kai.
Although the 23-year-old's father is famous for his outrageous comedic gifts, the entertainer recently confessed to needing time and education to accept his new son. After embracing Kai with open arms, the New Yorker is ready to help parents with transgender kids by doing what he does best.
Marlon Wayans Has Plans For A Comedy Special About Transgender Children
When the "Marlon" series's co-writer welcomed two children with his ex-partner Angela Zackery, he never expected his oldest to become a son. Despite the change not being easily understood or accepted, the proud father came to love Kai for who he is.
The 51-year-old raved about his new son in his recent appearance on "The Breakfast Club," explaining how the 23-year-old's transition influenced their family's dynamic. Marlon confessed to being in "complete denial" following Kai's emergence but overcame his initial shock with education.
The "Naked" star's schooling results were evident during his conversation as he addressed Kai with love and acceptance. Unfortunately, the father of two will need to work on his pronouns as he accidentally misgendered his son in the interview, but his efforts are commendable.
That was not all! To commemorate his new status, Marlon plans to help those in similar situations embrace the challenging road with a smile. The 51-year-old announced that his new comedy special "Rainbow Child" will focus on the issues of transition and hopefully ease the process for other parents with transgender kids.
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The "Fifty Shades of Black" star did not share the specific period of Kai's transition, nor did he reveal when his comedy special will happen. However, in his interview, the New Yorker explained the upcoming project will showcase his transition as a parent. In Marlon's words:
"My transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance. They know I love them. They see me trying, and I’m happy, but I have to respect their wishes."
The "Above the Rim" actor noted that he wished for his children the freedom to be themselves, noting that if he could not accept them, how could the world love them? The doting father of two declared:
"If they can’t get that in the household with their father and their mother, how the f–k do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence? I’m just so proud of them being them."
The transition was not the first time Marlon had supported Kai. As shared by PageSix, the TV personality defended his child against trolls in June 2019 after penning a sweet message to the then-19-year-old during Pride Month.
"Happy pride to my pride and joy. I wouldn't change one effing thing about you. Love you to the moon around the sun through the galaxies and back again," the comedian's Instagram post read.
Unfortunately, some criticized his support, but Marlon fired back: "She's 19. She's who she is until or until she don't choose different. Love her for her, not what I want her to be."
As for the comedian's second son, Shawn, the "Requiem for a Dream" star has not shared much details about the young man publicly. However, he welcomed the boy alongside his former lover Zackery on February 3, 2002.
Marlon Wayans Paid Homage To His Late Father Howell Wayans In A Touching Post
Months before announcing Kai's transition, Marlon faced an emotional battle following the loss of his beloved father, Howell Wayans. The patriarch of the famous Wayans family died at the age of 86, leaving behind ten children.
The "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" actor honored his late father on Instagram, sharing a picture of himself bonding with Howell at an event. The entertainer captioned this sweet image with a lengthy caption, reflecting on how the deceased inspired him to become the man he is today.
According to Marlon, his father always responded with "just a man" whenever he asked what he wanted to be. Additionally, he noted, "My Dad said, 'A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST.' From that day on, I wanted to be a MAN."
The "Dance Flick" star credited Howell for inspiring others, praying the younger generation grow up to be like Howell. "If there's a heaven, I know you are sitting in VIP sippin' the best wine Jesus can make…" the comedian concluded his tribute.