Marlon Wayans, a comedian and actor, has an unwavering love for his child. Some folks might be surprised by that given that his brother is transgender.
When Kai Wayans, his 23-year-old son, just revealed information about a comedy special he plans to release about their trip to approval, wayans revealed the gender identity of his son.
In a world that is otherwise tainted by stigmatization, it hit me like an airstrike of fresh air.
The difficulties trans people are currently facing are no laughing matter, despite the type of Wayans ‘ special.
According to Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, executive director of the nationwide system of educators, students, and regional chapters fighting for equitable training, trans youngsters are hurting right now.
She claimed that lawmakers constantly inform them that they do n’t belong. When books that reflect their activities are prohibited at school,” they see it.” When talking faces question their right to exist on television, they witness it. Being their activist is the best thing a family can do for their child. I’m pleased to see Marlon Wayans standing up for his brother and transgender youth all over the world.
Wayans revealed that as his brother changed genders, he changed as a family from “ignorance and rejection to total unconditional love and acceptance” in an unfiltered interview with” The Breakfast Club” radio program last week.
There are” a lot of parents out there who need that information, and I know I’m dealing with it,” Wayans said, making it crucial for him to speak up.
The song of anti-trans bills that have been introduced or passed in the previous legislative time, many of which sought to deny trans people access to health care, sports, identification record changes, or even recognition of their presence in academic curriculum, are welcome in contrast to Wayans ‘ affirmation of his trans child.
Despite any preexisting ideas or aspirations Wayans may have had for his now-adult child, he also recognized that the main factor affecting their wellbeing and safety was confirming their personality.
How the f**k do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence if they ca n’t get that in the home with their father and mother? he remarked. ” I’m really incredibly proud of them.”
The most important factor affecting the health and well-being of transgender and Transgender children—or any kids for that matter—is providing a secure and welcoming home.
Accepting a community lowers the risk of suicide
According to a 2016 study in LGBT Health, home rejection of transgender people raises the risk of despair and death. According to a different study from San Francisco State University’s Family Acceptance Project, having an accepting community can lower the death rate for Transgender people. A startling 45 % of LGBTQ youth have recently considered trying death, according to the Trevor Project.
According to Dr. Ronita Nath, vice president of study at the Trevor Project, a charity that works to combat harassment and death among the Gay society,” All young individuals deserve kids who love and accept them for who they truly are.” It warms my heart to see families show unwavering support for their transgender children, especially as we continue to hear such vociferous anti-transgender rhetoric from officials across the US right now.
It’s still shocking how few trans young people feel secure at house. According to a Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, less than 1 in 3 transgender and intersex children found their homes to get gender-affirming.
It’s not overstating things to say that accepting your child for who they are you actually save their lives, according to Nath.
Resources like the People for Trans Equality and the Trevor Project’s Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People can provide helpful best practices for supporting transgender and intersex younger people.
Kids of all stripes can look to Wayans for guidance. Just loving your child and letting them be who they truly are does n’t need to be any more difficult.
Ash Orr, a spokeswoman for the National Center for Transgender Equality, advised parents to take the time to help and safeguard their children. Take the time to comprehend the difficulties that trans people of all ages experience and speak up if you see someone treating your child disrespectfully because of gender identity.
Let your child know that you care about and help them no matter what, Orr advised. It’s incredible for Marlon to serve as an example for other kids who might not yet comprehend it.
a manual for families of transgender kids
It’s okay if you do n’t understand your child or what they’re going through, parents should be very aware of this. Create that an opportunity to deepen your knowledge rather than a justification for passing judgment on something that could be more harmful than beneficial.
Susan Thronson, the board chair of PFLAG National and the first family of a transgender person to hold the position, said,” Marlon’s voyage of going from ignorance and rejection to total absolute love and acceptance is one that resonates with me.” ” PFLAG was there with knowledge and help every step of the method as I walked that trip. Like takes action to know, and PFLAG is here to provide you with online and in-person support and training.
Like Thronson, Wayans eventually realized how important it is for his child and another trans children to be authentic.
Wayans remarked,” I want them to be completely in heart, freedom in idea, and free to being themselves.” ” You you manage yourself more effectively the more you know yourself.” The happier your life, the more you live your reality.
What a lovely information for parents everywhere.
The function of author Allison Hope has appeared in publications such as The New Yorker, The N York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Slate, and others.