Marlon Wayans went from denial to 'full acceptance' after son Kai came out as trans: 'Took me a week'

WASHINGTON, DC: On a recent episode of 'IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson' podcast, actor and comedian Marlon Wayans gave a heartfelt account of his personal evolution as a father after his child came out as transgender.

Joined by his brother Damon Wayans, the two sat down with the former first lady and her brother to reflect on fatherhood, fame, and the life lessons they've learned through parenting.

Marlon Wayans opens up about parenting his trans son Kai

Marlon Wayans, father to three children - Kai Zackery, 24, Shawn Howell, 23, and toddler Axl spoke candidly about the emotional transition he experienced when Kai came out.

“Their transition taught me what real, unconditional love was,” he admitted. “When they went through the transition, I actually went through the transition of denial to complete acceptance. And it took me a week to get there.”

Wayans continued, “What I've learned as a parent is that for you to stop loving your child because of their choice and their life, that's a poor reflection on you. When there's people that go, 'I'm not going to associate with you because you do that,' or 'This is against God,' it's like, listen, I'm not here to judge. I'm not God. Only God can judge.”

Wayans joked that if they ever made it to heaven and God wouldn’t let his trans son in, he’d shave off Kai’s beard and quietly sneak him through the back entrance.

“I'm going to love my baby. I'm a father. I'm always going to defend them. I'm always going to protect them. There's nothing anybody could ever tell me,” he said, adding, “I lost people who are small-minded, small-hearted, and self-loathing, so goodbye. For every one I lose, I gain 150 more.”

Though Wayans acknowledged it was a process to adjust to Kai’s new name and pronouns, he made it clear that his top priority was respect.

“That’s what they want, and those are their wishes, respect their wishes.” he said.

“I know that the same child is in there. They’re brilliant. And that's all that I really care about. They're kindhearted, they're really funny, they have a great sense of humor, and extremely intelligent...those are the things I'm proud of.”

Damon Wayans echoed his brother’s sentiments, expressing love for Kai while admitting he’s still learning how best to support him.

“Somebody got to write a rule book and how I need to treat you,” he said. “I don't want you to ever feel that I'm judging.”

Marlon Wayans earns applause for candid talk about raising his trans son

Marlon Wayans is receiving widespread praise across social media for opening up about his experience raising his trans son during a heartfelt podcast appearance. The actor and comedian spoke candidly about the challenges, growth, and unconditional love involved in supporting his child’s journey, sparking a wave of supportive reactions online.

One user wrote, “Thank you Marlon for loving your child unconditionally, that’s what a good parent is supposed to do.”

Another added, “It’s his child first and foremost. Difficult journey and unless you have been there it’s hard to say what you would do. It’s his child. Period @MarlonWayans.”

Many praised his vulnerability and strength as a parent, with one comment reading, “THIS is what a parent is supposed to do. Love your child!” Another commented, “Love love love this but I can imagine it is very hard to adjust.”

Others highlighted the emotional depth of his message, “Unconditional love is rare,” and “This is a real man.”

Another wrote, “I love #marlonwayans even more and respect him even more for not walking away from his child and loving her the same way he did when she was a he!”

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