Marlon Wayans has been speaking candidly about family and what unconditional support looks like behind the scenes. The actor and comedian recently said that protecting his trans son, Kai, is the most important job he has as a parent. He framed it as a straightforward commitment rooted in love, not a public stance meant to win approval. For him, the point is simple: his child comes first.
During a recent appearance on the We In Miami podcast, Wayans was asked whether he planned to become a more visible advocate for parents of trans kids. He didn’t present it as a role he needed to take on, saying his instinct is to stand up for his own child regardless of the noise around it. Wayans shared that Kai is 25 and that he shares him with his former partner, Angela Zackery. He also emphasized that his support is not conditional on anyone else’s opinions.
Wayans spoke about how quickly people judge situations they have never lived. He suggested that criticism often comes from a distance, while parenting is personal and immediate. He stressed that his child deserves privacy and the freedom to live without being turned into a spectacle. In his view, trying to argue someone out of who they are is pointless, and acceptance is the only meaningful response.
He also pointed to other well known parents who have navigated similar conversations in public. Wayans praised Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union for the way they have supported their child, Zaya, who publicly came out as trans in 2020. He described them as an example for families who may feel alone or overwhelmed. He added that acceptance can take time, and that growing into it is part of being the parent your child needs.
This latest moment continues a story Wayans has been telling for a while. He first discussed Kai’s transition publicly in November 2023, describing how it forced him to confront his own assumptions and move from denial to full acceptance. Wayans said the process changed him as much as it changed their family dynamics. He presented it as a reminder that love sometimes requires learning, listening, and letting go of the version of the future you once imagined.
In 2024, Wayans drew attention again when he shared a Pride Month tribute to Kai through a series of photos. He also responded publicly after rapper Soulja Boy made remarks about his child, pushing back and making it clear he would not tolerate attacks on his family. The message across these moments has stayed consistent: he will defend his child, and he won’t apologize for it.
What do you think is the best way for public figures to support their kids while still protecting their privacy? Share your thoughts in the comments.
