The most important thing a parent can do for their child is to show them unconditional love and acceptance. Actor/comedian Marlon Wayans had to come to terms with this idea when his 24-year-old son Kai told Wayans he was transgender. While he dealt with his emotions about this revelation, he found the humor in it, some of which has made its way into his latest stand up special, “Marlon Wayans: Good Grief.”
“That’s my therapy,” he told People. “Life happens, and I go, ‘What’s funny about it?’ I’m literally trying to rescue myself.”
It took the “White Chicks” star a week to work through his feelings, going “from defiance to acceptance.” He explained that during that time, “I grew the most that I ever did in my life.” His willingness to even take that week and examine his feelings enough to make his way to acceptance should be appreciated. Yes, this is what’s expected from loving parents, but we know not everyone will even take that step.
“You understand the purpose of kids and the beauty of unconditional love,” he said. “At the end of the day, in my heart, only thing that matters to me is that my child is happy.”
Most comedians incorporate their personal life into their stand up, and Marlon is no different. He revealed that his kids already know that they’ll probably end up as a part of his show.
“I have a contract with my kids: ‘Whatever you do in life, just know that there’s a possibility I’m going to find some humor and talk about it,’” he said.
With this special he wants “to gift not just laughter but some lessons.” Wayans previously told “The Breakfast Club” that he wants to use his experience to help other parents understand their kids better. The LGBTQ+ community hasn’t always received understanding and acceptance from Black folks, so if Marlon is able to use humor to open one mind, he’s done a great service to his son and his community as a whole.
“I think there’s a lot of parents out there that need that message and I know I’m dealing with it,” he said at the time. “It was a very painful situation for me but, man, it’s one of the best, funniest hours I could ever imagine.”
“Marlon Wayans: Good Grief” premieres June 4 on Prime Video.