Jamie Lee Curtis shared that her daughter Ruby came out as transgender in July of 2021. Mother and daughter opened up about their experience in an interview with People.
When Curtis first shared the news of her daughter's transition she expressed endless support, stating that she and her husband "have watched in wonder and pride as our son became our daughter Ruby." Several months later, Curtis says she is still learning from her daughter and sometimes makes mistakes by occasionally using the wrong pronoun or name. Ruby says she doesn't get mad at her parents for that. She has always stayed out of the limelight but now thinks it might be time to make a change: "I'm happy to be more visible if it helps others."
The former pro basketball player has often spoken about his daughter Zaya with pride since she came out as transgender, as does his current wife, Gabrielle Union. Sadly, his ex-wife, Zaya's mother, has not been so supportive. He has been divorced from Siohvaughn Funches-Wade since 2010 and claims that she has not taken an active role in her children's lives since then. Funches-Wade objected to Zaya's decision to legally change her name to align with her true gender, filing a petition with the court accusing her ex-husband of trying to exploit Zaya in order to profit from her "name and gender change."
Wade was quick to issue a lengthy statement in response to the allegations. "Since this must be the new way of parenting, I guess I have to address these allegations here, which is a damn shame,” he began. “No one in our house would ever force Zaya or any of our children to do anything against their will, much less force an identity on them. This isn’t a game for my family and definitely not for Zaya. This is her life!” He accused his ex-wife of using their daughter as cannon fodder without ever taking the time to get to know her, listen to her, or understand her needs.
The reality TV star, and R. Kelly's ex-wife, is mother to a transgender boy named Jay who came out at 13. Jay explained on Ask.fm that telling his mother made him more comfortable, "because I knew she would love me no matter what, she has not once judged me in life. She always told me that she loved me and to be who I truly am." Unfortunately, R. Kelly's stance was a little cloudier.
See also: Girl dads: Famous fathers of daughters
Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden previously shared that her son Hudson is openly gay and stated her unconditional love for him, later revealing that in fact all three of her children are queer. During the 'Drag Isn’t Dangerous: A Digital Fundraiser' live telethon in May 2023—held in response to state lawmakers’ attempts to ban drag shows and performances on the basis of safety for minors—Harden spoke to co-host Adam Shankman and said, "What drives me is because it’s right, and what’s happening right now is wrong. What drives me is—my children are all queer." Harden continued, "My eldest child is non-binary. My son is gay. My youngest is fluid. And you know, they are my kids, and they teach me every day.” The actress shares Eulala (born in 1998) and twins Julitta and Hudson (born in 2004) with her ex-husband, director Thaddaeus Scheel.
For LGBT kids coming to terms with their identity, there is nothing more important than creating an atmosphere of unconditional love where they're able to feel comfortable in their own bodies and confident in their support systems. While there are still far too few in the LGBT community who experience this basic right, there are many celebrities who are raising the bar.
Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans, known for his roles in movies like 'White Chicks' and the 'Scary Movie' series, revealed that his son is transgender in a recent interview on 'The Breakfast Show.' “I talk about the transition," he said, referring to his new comedy special, "Not her… his… their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance.” He acknowledged that he doesn't always get their pronouns right, but said, “They know I love them. They see me try and they’re like, I’m happy.” Wayans emphasized that the most important thing is that his kids are happy, and if they don't learn how to love themselves at home, how are they going to do so out in the world? "I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message,” he said.
For many celebs it wasn't all sunshine and pride rainbows, but click through to see what these stars have to say about their kids' journeys.
Supportive celebrities with LGBT kids
Marlon Wayans shares heartfelt message about his son's transition
CELEBRITY Queer
For LGBT kids coming to terms with their identity, there is nothing more important than creating an atmosphere of unconditional love where they're able to feel comfortable in their own bodies and confident in their support systems. While there are still far too few in the LGBT community who experience this basic right, there are many celebrities who are raising the bar.
Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans, known for his roles in movies like 'White Chicks' and the 'Scary Movie' series, revealed that his son is transgender in a recent interview on 'The Breakfast Show.' “I talk about the transition," he said, referring to his new comedy special, "Not her… his… their transition, but my transition as a parent, going from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance.” He acknowledged that he doesn't always get their pronouns right, but said, “They know I love them. They see me try and they’re like, I’m happy.” Wayans emphasized that the most important thing is that his kids are happy, and if they don't learn how to love themselves at home, how are they going to do so out in the world? "I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need to have that message,” he said.
For many celebs it wasn't all sunshine and pride rainbows, but click through to see what these stars have to say about their kids' journeys.