Dwyane Wade, Khary Payton, and other celebrities have shown their support for their LGBTQ+ children's experiences.
On an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February 2020, Wade shared the story of his daughter Zaya coming out as transgender. He expressed his deep commitment as a father, taking his role and responsibilities seriously.
He mentioned that he and his spouse, Gabrielle Union, were both there during the interview. They strive to gather all possible information in order to ensure that their child has the best chances of becoming the best version of themselves.
Credit: Courtesy of Gabrielle Union-Wade/Instagram; Courtesy of Marcia Gay Harden/Instagram; Courtesy of Dean McDermott/Instagram; Courtesy of Cynthia Nixon/Instagram
Dwyane Wade, Cynthia Nixon and More Celebrity Parents Supporting Their LGBTQ Kids
Dwyane Wade, Khary Payton and more celebrities have supported their LGBTQ+ kids’ journeys.
On a February 2020 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Wade openly discussed his daughter Zaya's transgender identity, emphasizing his commitment to his fatherly duties and responsibilities. He further revealed that both he and his wife, Gabrielle Union, who was also present during the interview, actively seek knowledge and information to provide their child with optimal support in embracing their true self.
Keep scrolling to see more celebrity parents supporting their children, from Charlize Theron to Marlon Wayans.
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Brian Austin Green
During an October 2023 episode of Lance Bass' podcast "Frosted Tips With Lance Bass," Green spoke candidly about his son Kassius Lijah Marcil-Green. Kassius, who Green shares with his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Marcil, recently came out as gay.
"It has been an intriguing journey," Green shared. "To be honest, my son's revelation about his sexuality was completely unexpected for me."
Green mentioned that despite being in unfamiliar territory, he has gained valuable insights from his discussions with Kassius regarding his experiences. Green expressed his desire to comprehend the aspects that initially appeared distinct to him. However, he soon realized that these differences were inconsequential and solely dependent on one's choice of partner, ultimately having no impact on him.
He persisted, stating, "And that is precisely the aspect I constantly strive to instill in people now - it holds no sway over you. Why do you invest such fervent concern? And why endeavor to coerce your emotions and viewpoints onto something that indisputably has no impact on your being whatsoever?"
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Jamie Lee Curtis
After winning her first Academy Award in March 2023, the actress from the film Everything Everywhere All at Once dedicated her achievement to her daughter Ruby, who bravely came out as transgender in 2021. "I fully support my daughter Ruby. I am using the pronouns they/them for them," Curtis shared about her prestigious award on the Today show. "I will refer to them as they/them, and I am so proud of how they are thriving and finding their place. Honestly, I never imagined having such overwhelming emotions over these past few days, and this entire experience has deeply touched me."
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Sigourney Weaver
The Avatar actress revealed on a December 2022 episode of the "Smartless" podcast that her and husband Jim Simpson's "wonderful" child, then 32, identifies as nonbinary.
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Alexis Bellino
In October 2022, the alum of The Real Housewives of Orange County revealed that her son Miles has transitioned and is now transgender. She shared on Instagram that Miles, who is nearly 15 years old, has become aware of the questions and comments about him. With his newfound voice, Miles asked his mother to make this post. The alum expressed her pride in her son's strength and courage, emphasizing that love remains unchanged in these situations.
Furthermore, the former Bravo personality noted that since coming out, Miles has found happiness like never before. He now genuinely smiles, loves the clothes he wears, and feels a sense of freedom to be his authentic self. Being addressed as male brings him joy, he enjoys hanging out with male friends, and he can now fully experience life.
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Heather Dubrow
In February 2022, the reality star expressed the utmost importance of creating an environment that is characterized by unconditional love and acceptance for our children. Through an Instagram post, she proudly shared her support for her daughter Kat, who had recently come out as a lesbian. The reality star emphasized the significance of recognizing that humanity is diverse in terms of colors, genders, and sexualities. By embracing and practicing inclusion, love, and acceptance, we can all contribute towards a better and more harmonious world.
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Dwyane Wade
"We are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re proud allies as well," the former Miami Heat player told DeGeneres.
In June 2021, Wade referred to Zaya as his "hero" on the Today show, expressing admiration by saying, "She is the pillar of strength in our family... My daughter has gracefully allowed us to be her support system."
Fast forward to the June 2022 Time 100 summit, Wade commended Zaya for her "confidence, at the age of 8, to embrace her true identity and express her desires for the future."
The basketball superstar vehemently criticized political leaders and lawmakers who oppose LGBTQ+ rights. "This is our reality. We face this every day. If you are the one making decisions and you have no firsthand experience," he stated. "Spend a day with my daughter. Witness what it means to navigate this world as she does."
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Waka Flocka
The rapper pondered on his response to his daughter Charlie's request to bring a girl as her date to a school dance in March 2021. During an interview with The Mix hosts, he shared, "I don't set expectations because they're never fully met. I can't judge or have strong feelings about something I've never experienced. Approaching this situation with a stubborn mindset would only push her away. Therefore, I followed the path set by my wife, Tammy Rivera." He proceeded to describe his teenage daughter as "awesome" and expressed gratitude to God for the privilege of raising her.
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Busy Philipps
After publicly announcing in December 2020 that her child Birdie identifies as gay and prefers they/them pronouns, the star of Dawson's Creek opened up on her podcast, "Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best." During the episode, she shared with her preteen that they have the freedom to shape their future in any way they desire, disregarding societal expectations and norms. She emphasized that Birdie's path is not confined to past precedents or societal models, for the possibility of a new and unique existence is theirs to explore.
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Terry Dubrow
"Experiencing a profound sense of liberation, the Botched celebrity shared with us in July 2020 about his daughter, Max, publicly revealing her bisexuality on Instagram, and the overwhelming acceptance she received."
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Khary Peyton
Accompanying a picture of his son, the actor from General Hospital shared: "Witnessing his path is a privilege, and I am wholeheartedly supporting him. I wish each and every one of you could experience the overwhelming love that fills my heart in this very moment."
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Charlize Theron
In December 2019, the significance of using the correct pronouns for her daughter Jackson was emphasized by the renowned actress from Mad Max. During an interview with Pride Source, she stated, "My daughter's narrative belongs solely to her, and in due time, if she desires, she will share her own tale."
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Cynthia Bailey
"We all adore and stand by Noelle," expressed the Real Housewives of Atlanta star in a November 2019 episode, referring to her child's sexual fluidity. "It's a realm we have yet to explore, so we are gradually adapting to it. ... Love transcends all boundaries."
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Dean McDermott
In a July 2019 episode of the "Daddy Issues" podcast, the former reality star expressed his unwavering support for his son Jack, referring to him as a "gorgeous kid." He disclosed, "My son Jack is gay, and I am fully behind him, giving my complete support. As a parent, you always want the best for your child. It is imperative to create an environment free from persecution, hardships, and prejudice, isn't it?"
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Marlon Wayans
In a June 2019 Instagram post, the actor expressed birthday wishes to his daughter, Amai, referring to her as his pride and joy. He stated that he wouldn't want anything about her to be different and conveyed his love for her in an extravagant manner, mentioning the moon, sun, galaxies, and back.
When an Instagram troll criticized his post, the actor responded by defending his daughter, emphasizing that he loves her for who she is and not for what he wants her to be.
Credit: Courtesy of Cynthia Nixon/Instagram
Cynthia Nixon
In May 2019, the former star of the TV show Sex and the City expressed her immense pride for her son Seph, who came out as transgender. She stated, "I'm very proud of him. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly his revelation was received, a testament to the remarkable progress we have made in a remarkably short period of time."
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Sade
In February 2019, the transgender son of the singer, Izaak, expressed gratitude towards her unwavering support. Via Instagram, he wrote: "I am deeply grateful for your steadfast commitment to my journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Your encouragement during challenging times and the love you shower upon me is truly unparalleled - a testament to your purest heart."
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Marcia Gay Harden
Promoting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ families is of utmost significance to the actress. In an exclusive interview with Us in March 2018, she disclosed, "My son, Hudson, identifies as gay. My primary objective is to ensure that he has the opportunity to create a loving family whenever he desires."
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Magic Johnson
"I believe the key is not to impose your own expectations or desires onto your daughter or son regarding their identity or future. The most important thing is to unconditionally love them for who they are and whatever path they choose," expressed the former Los Angeles Lakers player during a conversation with DeGeneres in 2017. "When my son bravely revealed his true self, I experienced immense joy for him, and as parents, we were thrilled. We wholeheartedly embrace E.J., who is truly remarkable. It's crucial to provide unwavering support to your child because sadly, there are many individuals who attempt to discriminate against them. Thus, they rely on your support and love. If we, as parents, don't stand by them, who will?"
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Marie Osmond
In March 2013, during an interview with Diane Sawyer, the Talk cohost expressed her unwavering support for her daughter Jessica's "civil rights" as a lesbian. Osmond firmly stated that she believes her daughter should have every opportunity and fulfillment in life that she desires.