Marlon Wayans Opens Up About Embracing Trans Son

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans spoke about his comedy—including an upcoming special—during a recent interview, sharing that his eldest child transitioned and is now his son Kai, 23.

The actor and comedian opened up about his feelings regarding Kai and their transition on the radio show The Breakfast Club, noting that his new special, which appears to be called either Skittles or Rainbow Child, will explore this part of his life.

"I have a daughter that transitioned into a son. My daughter Amai is now Kai, and so, I talk about the transition," said Wayans. "Not his…their transition but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance.”

He went on to say that it was a "very painful situation," but was positive about how it turned out and inspired his comedy. Wayans then celebrated Kai, saying, "They're brilliant. They don't change. Brilliant, most well-read, the smartest Wayans, smartest hands down."

After admitting that he was "still working on the pronouns," Wayans said, "They see me try and they're like, 'I'm happy.'... But I gotta respect their wishes, right?"

Wayans went on to speak about the importance of giving his kids a space to be themselves: "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 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 for being them," he concluded.

After the meaningful message, Wayans circled back to comedy, confirming that Kai's transition and how he dealt with it as a parent would be a major subject, also noting that Kai has seen the set and approved.

Along with Kai, Wayans has another son named Shawn, 21, and he shares both with ex Angelica Zachary.

Next: Marlon Wayans Calls Out United Airlines After Being Removed From Flight