Marlon Wayans reveals eldest child is transgender

14 November 2023

Marlon Wayans has revealed his eldest child is transgender.

Marlon Wayans reveals his child is transgender

The 'White Chicks' actor's child Kai Wayans, formerly known as Amai, now identifies as a transgender male, and the comedian opens up on his own "transition" in his new comedy special.

Appearing on 'The Breakfast Club' podcast, he said: "I have a daughter that transitioned into a son. My daughter Amai is now Kai, and so, I talk about the transition.

"Not his … their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance."

Although Marlon - who has Kai, 23, and son Shawn, 21, with ex Angelica Zachary - still makes mistakes, he's trying his best to use the right language with his son.

He explained: "They know, they know I love them. They see me try and they’re like, 'I'm happy'.

"I gotta respect their wishes. And as a parent I just want my kids to be free — free in spirit, free in thought, free to be themselves."

The 51-year-old star pointed out that if Kai didn't feel comfortable at home, the outside world would feel even more daunting.

Marlon added: "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 f*** do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence?"

Meanwhile, Marlon was devastated when his own father Howell died back in April at the age of 86, less than three years after his 81-year-old mum Elvira died, and his fans kept him going during such a tough time.

He previously told 'Good Morning America': "I realise that the only thing that saves me is the stage.

"Because when I'm hurting, those laughs that I hear from other people healing from my pain, I realise my purpose.

"And I think it's important for all of us to do what comedians do, which is look at this world, look at this life, and always try to spend your life trying to find smiles. And that's what I do on the stage."