Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Marlon Wayans Opens Up About Why He Openly Supports His Trans Child In Powerful Interview With Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama; Marlon Wayans
Michelle Obama/YouTube

Wayans shared on Michelle Obama's IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson podcast about what led to his decision to support his trans son, Kai, after a week of "denial."

On the April 30, 2025, episode of the IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson podcast, the former First Lady and her older brother Craig were joined by two members of the Wayans' entertainment dynasty, brothers Damon and Marlon Wayans.

As two of 10 children, the discussion covered stories from their childhood in the Fulton Houses housing project in New York City, their family's still growing Hollywood legacy, and what they've learned from raising their own kids and being uncles and great-uncles to many more.


Marlon once joked to Black America Web that his family needed to be introduced to condoms because he had "40 nieces and nephews." Damon, at age 64, is a father of four and grandfather of seven. Marlon, at age 52, has three children, but no grandchildren yet.

A lot of attention has been paid to Marlon's parenting of late, after he publicly announced his support for his transgender son Kai Zackery Wayans.

On the podcast, Marlon Wayans shared:

"When they went through the transition, I actually went through transition."

You can see the clip here:

youtu.be


Near the end of the podcast episode, Michelle Obama asked Marlon Wayans about their son, Kai Zackery Wayans:

“Well, speaking of parenting, I wanted to talk, Marlon, a bit about, you know, just so proud of how you are being a role model for dealing with a child that's transgender."
"And that's, you know, that warms my heart—particularly [for you] as a black man—you know...would you care to share that journey?”

Marlon responded:

“Well, I learned, like—and their transition really taught me—what real unconditional love was. When they went through the transition, I actually went through transition."
"I went from denial to complete acceptance. And it took me a week to get there."
"And what I've learned as a parent is for you to stop loving your child because of their choice and their life? That's a poor reflection on you. You know what I mean?"

Regarding people who aren't accepting, he said:

"When there's people that go, 'I'm not going to associate with you because you do that or this is against God and this isn't'. It's like, listen, I am not here to judge. I am NOT God. Only God can judge. I say this, you know?"
"And if that's a mistake and we get to heaven and God don't let my child in, I'ma shave a beard and sneak him in through the back."
"But I'm going to love my baby and I'm never going to, I'm a father and I'm always going to defend them. I was going to protect them. I was gonna respect them. And there's nothing anybody could ever tell me."

Speaking of the backlash from some fans, Marlon stated:

"I could lose fans—good. I lost people that are small minded, small hearted and self-loathing. So goodbye. And I gained, for every one I lose, I gained 150 more, you know?”

Damon Wayans interjected:

“So for me as uncle, you know, it's, I love you, period. Right? But somebody got to write a rule book and how I need to treat you. Because I don't know.”

After referring to the roughhousing done with his other nephews, Damon added:

“Can I treat you like my other nephews? I don't know. You know, and I don't want you to ever feel that I'm judging you.”

Obama replied:

“That's right. Because you just don't know. I used to say it's like going to your grandmother and expecting them to learn a new language overnight, you know?"
"It's like they've been speaking this language, using pronouns in this way for their entire life. And to get it wrong, it's a mutual patience with the process.”

Marlon—whose son Kai uses they/them pronouns— responded:

“And they've been very patient with me and their mother, because, you know, when they changed their name, I'm like, I called you Amai for 23 years. What do you mean, Kai? Kai, I know you as Amai."
"What do you mean them? I know you as her. And it was, it was a process. And at the end of the day, it's respect that… that's what they want. And that's their wishes."
"So respect their wishes and I know that the same child is in there. That's it! They're brilliant, right? And that's all I really care about is they're kind-hearted, they're really funny, have a great sense of humor, and extremely intelligent."

Focusing on what's important, Marlon stated:

"And, you know, those are the things I'm proud of. Are you a good person?"
"I don't care about your sexualities and, you know, all these other things, your genders or associations. I care that you are a good-hearted person. That you take care of your siblings, your mother, you’re respectful."
"They have been wonderful their whole life. I've never had any problem with them at all. So, you know?”

Obama added:

“And I like to be putting that out there for the world, I mean, because we just, especially in our community, we've sacrificed a lot over this issue. Um, and, and it's all about realizing that we got to love people how they come to us, period."
"Not just our kids, but all kids. And the notion that, you know, we would, uh, you know put people in unfair advantages, put them, their lives at risk over some nonsense.”

Marlon concluded:

“Because those are bad people. End of the day, when you are being divisive like that, you are a bad person. Your core is bad."
"No matter what you do, you're not gonna make your way in heaven."
"My job is to be here to give laughter and to give love and everything that gotta be my intention and will always be. And like I said, I'm a father, that's my baby. And I fight with them to the end. Period.”

The small-minded ignorance Marlon called out in the podcast showed up when the clip was shared on X...




...but some people shared support.



Being the Wayans—well known for their humor—there were some laughs mixed in with serious topics.

Like when Damon shared insight into becoming a grandfather.

Or when the brothers talked about who was tougher—the five Wayans brothers or the five Wayans sisters.

You can watch the full episode of the IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson podcast featuring guests Damon and Marlon Wayans here:

youtu.be

More from News/lgbtq

Frankie Muniz
Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images

Frankie Muniz Reveals He Turned Down Hosting 'SNL' As A Kid For A Chance To Meet His Celebrity Crush

During awards season each year, it feels like all of the big-name actors have to be in a thousand places at once. From accepting awards to walking the red carpet to presenting awards to their colleagues, there's no end to the obligations, fun, and excitement.

But sometimes, obligations might overlap—and actors might have to make a tough choice about which event to attend. For Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz, his tough choice came back in 2000, and he wrestled with it for the most adorable reason.

Keep ReadingShow less
Charlie Kirk
Benjamin Hanson/Middle East Images via AFP/Getty Images

New York Newspaper Apologizes For Running Charlie Kirk Cartoon After It Sparks GOP Calls For Boycott

Newsday, a paper based out of Long Island, apologized amid calls from GOP leaders for a boycott after publishing a cartoon by former Pulitzer finalist Chip Bok about the murder of far-right-activist Charlie Kirk.

The cartoon depicts an empty chair with blood spattered above it, with an arrow linking the words “Turning Point USA”—Kirk’s organization—to the chair.

Keep ReadingShow less
Malcom-Jamal Warner
FOX via Getty Images

Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Widow Breaks Her Silence With Poignant Message On Their Anniversary

It was just a couple months ago that many mourned the sudden death of Malcom-Jamal Warner after his accidental drowning on a beach in Costa Rica.

Warner rose to fame in The Cosby Show, entering the hearts of millions. Recently his widow, Tenisha Warner, revealed the tribute his family will be making to honor his legacy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britt Lower
Monica Schipper/WireImage

Eagle-Eyed Fans Notice Subtle 'Severance' Nod Written On Back Of Star's Emmys Speech

Actor Britt Lower had one of the biggest moments of the night at Sunday's Emmys with her big win for Apple TV's Severance, but the real moment for fans was blink-and-you-miss-it.

Lower won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the show, and during her speech she did the usual rounds of "thank yous" for her family, friends, and colleagues.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Peter Navarro
CNBC

Trump Adviser Gets Epic Reminder After Claiming The Left Went After Him Like They Did Charlie Kirk

President Donald Trump's senior counselor Peter Navarro was swiftly fact-checked after claiming during a CNBC interview that Democrats sent him to prison as a political attack, asserting that leftists went after him how "they got" Charlie Kirk, the far-right activist who was assassinated last week.

Navarro, who also served during Trump's first administration and participated in attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 general election, holds the distinction of being the first former White House official imprisoned on a contempt-of-Congress conviction.

Keep ReadingShow less