NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade has never shied away from showing public support for his 16-year-old transgender daughter Zaya. His unwavering love for her, as well as his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, has been an inspiration for how all parents should treat their transgender children. Now, he’s showing his admiration for another famous father who has come out in support of their transgender son.
After Marlon Wayans recently revealed that his next stand-up comedy special will revolve around the journey of acceptance between him and his transgender son, Kai, Wade celebrated the Scary Movie star’s “unconditional love” for his son and willingness to listen.
“I think unconditional love allows us to step in and listen and learn of what we do not know and what we were not taught, especially in the Black community,” Wade told Variety. “I salute Marlon for speaking out and speaking up about this experience with his child just the same way as I’ve done. We’re just the voices that are speaking for our kids right now before they get an opportunity to grab that microphone and speak for themselves. I salute him.”
Wayans told The Breakfast Club that he plans to call the special either Skittles or Rainbow Child. He added that even though he’s immensely proud of his son, “that don’t mean that I ain’t got jokes.” The basketball star appreciates that the comedian is telling his story his way.
“This is his experience and what he’s dealing with. He’s coming out selling it from his point of view,” Wade said. “It’s great for fathers especially to speak on them from their point of view and how they had to handle it and deal with it.”
For the White Chicks star, sharing his family’s emotional journey is about supporting his son, but also helping others understand their trans children and find a path to acceptance.
“I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need that message and I know I’m dealing with it,” Wayans said. “It was a very painful situation for me but, man, it’s one of the best, funniest hours I could ever imagine.”
Marlon hasn’t officially announced a premiere date for the upcoming special, but it sounds like it could be his most fascinating and impactful hour of material.