Marlon Wayans talks transgender son on ‘The Breakfast Club’

Marlon Wayans has shared his thoughts and emotions about embracing his transgender son Kai.

In an interview on “The Breakfast Club” radio show Friday, the “Air” actor said his eldest child, 23, changed their name and pronouns, and the changes were a challenge for him to accept.

“I talk about the transition, not their transition, but my transition as a parent going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance,” Wayans said. “And I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message, and I know I’m dealing with it. It was a very painful situation for me. But, man, it’s one of the best, funniest hours I could possibly imagine.”

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Wayans, who is on the road for his “Good Grief” comedy tour, said he wants to do another comedy special, tentatively titled “Skittles” or “Rainbow Child” to focus on Kai.

The comedian and actor said he hopes to impart a strong sense of confidence and freedom on Kai and his younger son, Shawn, 21. Wayans had the children with his ex-wife Angela Zackery.

Wayans admitted that he still struggles to always use they/them pronouns, but wants to improve himself.

“They know I love them. They see I’m trying…” he said, admitting he initially was confused about gender-neutral pronouns. “But I gotta respect their wishes, right? And as a parent, I just want my kids to be free. I want them to be free in spirit, free in thought. Free to be themselves.  The more you know yourself, the more you can govern yourself, the more you live your truth, the happier your existence. So, if they can’t get that in a household with their father and their mother, how the fuck do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence?”