In a lighthearted conversation with Neal Brennan, comedian and actor Marlon Wayans opened up about how he came to terms with his child’s transition and accepted their new reality.
During the sit-down interview, Marlon admitted that initially he was not on board with his son Kai transitioning. In fact, he joked about the great measures he took to convince him to reconsider his decision.
“I tried to hypnotize that b*tch,” he said while laughing. “And I protested against it and I don’t say that with pride. I look back on those actions and I’m ashamed. I was embarrassed the moment I was forced to look in the mirror. I was embarrassed.” He also acknowledged that he tried to impose “sanctions,” such as withholding their allowance. But “[Kai] was like, ‘So what? F*ck it, I’ll starve,’” Marlon recalled. “Nothing was working. This is what they wanted to do. I always said I want my kids to be happy. In order to be happy, you’re not gonna please everybody.”
Although it was difficult for him to accept, Marlon stated that it took him just a week to reach a place of understanding.
As for his advice to other parents, he emphasized, “It’s not on us to judge anybody, right? … I tell my child, listen, I’ma have my jokes … They know my heart and they trust that I’m gonna tell a great story,” he added.
This isn’t the first time Marlon has discussed his journey to acceptance while encouraging parents to take their time with this process. Not too long ago, he not only defended Boosie but also offered some insightful words to the rapper, who has struggled with understanding his child who is gay.
“U can’t paint @BOOSIEOFFICIAL as a monster. That man is a father that provides,” Marlon tweeted at the time. “I believe him, his daughter and God will figure this out. It took me. A second. Give their family grace and time. This is growing pain. She know her daddy loves her. That’s all that matters. He may come…”