Marlon Wayans talks about his 'transition as a parent' of transgender son Kai: 'So proud'

Marlon Wayans is opening up about his "transition as a parent" to a transgender child.

The actor and comedian, 51, revealed on "The Breakfast Club" radio show Friday that his oldest child is transgender and goes by they/them pronouns.

"I have a daughter that transitioned into a son," he began. "My daughter Amai is now Kai."

Wayans shares that he plans to talk about "my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance" in an upcoming comedy special. "I think there's a lot of parents out there who need to have that message, and I know I'm dealing with it.

The "Scary Movie" star said initially his 23-year-old son's transition was "a very painful situation for me" but it's led to one of his "funniest" specials. The comedian is considering the titles "Skittles" and "Rainbow Child" for the comedy special, he said.

Wayans admitted that although he isn't always a perfect parent – and occasionally mixes up Kai's pronouns – his eldest child knows he's "trying and that I'm happy. … I gotta respect their wishes."

"I just want my kids to be free. I want them to be free in spirit, free in thought, free to be themselves. The more you know yourself, the more you can govern yourself; the more you live your truth, the happier your existence," he declared. "So, if they can’t get that in the household with their father and their mother, who do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence?"

Wayans added: "I'm just so proud of them for being them. But that don't mean that they ain't got jokes!" He also shared that Kai was made aware of the comedic take on transitioning.

The comedian previously supported Kai when they came out prior to their transition.

"Happy pride to my pride and joy," he wrote on Instagram during Pride Month in 2019. "I wouldn’t change one effing thing about you. Love you to the moon around the sun through the galaxies and back again."

In the photo, Wayans' oldest sat with one leg stretched out in front, displaying a rainbow etched on the bottom of their sneaker.

Wayans shares sons Kai and Shawn, 21, with his ex Angelica Zachary.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marlon Wayans son Kai comes out as transgender: Comedian urges 'love'