Celebrity Parents Rally Around Their Transgender and Nonbinary Children

Marlon Wayans, Sigourney Weaver, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade are among the prominent celebrity parents who have publicly declared their support for their transgender and nonbinary children in recent years.

From reality television personalities to Academy Award winners, numerous notable figures have openly shared their children’s journeys with the public to encourage tolerance and broader acceptance of the transgender community. Renowned parents like Annette Bening and Cynthia Nixon have emerged as steadfast public advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of unsettling political developments, while Wade assisted his daughter Zaya in launching an online haven for trans youth.

Continue scrolling for a retrospective on the celebrity parents who have proudly spoken about their children’s identities:

Tia Carrere

The Wayne’s World actress disclosed in a May 2025 interview with People that her 19-year-old son, Jude, has come out as transgender.

“He is very direct and self-assured. He knows who he is, and he is very happy,” Carrere stated.

“He possesses such a kind nature; he acts almost as a confidant for his peers. When his friends engage in excessive drinking or revelry, he consistently volunteers to be the designated driver, embodying the type of supportive friend you can always depend on,” Carrere, who shares Jude with her former husband Simon Wakelin, further commented.

Robert De Niro

Airyn De Niro, the daughter of the two-time Academy Award laureate — whom Robert shares with model Toukie Smith — publicly identified as trans during an April 2025 interview with Them. Airyn conceded that “perfection is not found in any parent,” yet she commended her mother and father for allowing her to grow up outside of public scrutiny.

“I appreciate that both my parents decided to shield me from public attention. They desired a very private upbringing for me,” she remarked. “They conveyed to me their wish for me to experience as typical a childhood as possible.”

Airyn stated that both her parents embraced her queer identity, which facilitated her journey to a point where she felt at ease publicly recounting her experiences for the inaugural time.

“My aspiration is to serve as an inspiration for at least one other individual who, like myself, is Black, queer, and does not conform to an extra-small size,” she expressed. “I envision seeing more trans women, more Black women who might have larger physiques or deviate from the archetype of extreme thinness or 'heroin chic'.”

At that time, De Niro articulated his endorsement for Airyn in a statement, declaring, “I cherished and stood by Aaron as my son, and now I cherish and stand by Airyn as my daughter. I fail to see what the fuss is about. I have affection for all my offspring.”

Several months subsequent, Airyn effusively shared that De Niro has maintained unwavering support for her.

“His encouragement has been constant, and I am profoundly thankful,” she informed Them in a follow-up interview in October 2025. “He spoke about his happiness for me, noting that I have a wonderful boyfriend whom he has met, and [he remarked], ‘You have someone who appreciates you for who you are, and there is no need to alter yourself for anyone.’”

Airyn further recounted attending a therapy session with her father, during which her transition was a topic of conversation.

“He expressed, ‘There’s no alternative but to embrace your child for their true self and the path they choose in life,’” she proceeded. “He demonstrates great proficiency as a father and, beyond that, [also] in accepting individuals from all backgrounds.”

Rosie O’Donnell

The ex-host of The Rosie O’Donnell Show verified in March 2025 that she had relocated from the U.S. to Ireland, partly to safeguard her child Clay, who identifies with they/them pronouns.

“Despite never envisioning myself moving abroad, I determined that this decision would be most beneficial for both myself and my 12-year-old child,” she clarified on TikTok then.

O’Donnell indicated her intention to remain with Clay in Dublin until the political climate in the U.S. — specifically regarding President Donald Trump’s administration — undergoes a transformation.

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“I long for my other children. I long for my companions. I long for many aspects of life back home, and I am endeavoring to establish residence here in this picturesque nation,” O’Donnell conveyed to her audience. “Only when all citizens can safely enjoy equal rights in America will we contemplate returning. Witnessing the political events unfold has been distressing, and personally challenging for me too. As we are all aware, the personal inherently reflects the political.”

O’Donnell subsequently revealed exclusively to Us Weekly that Clay, who had received an autism diagnosis, was adapting favorably to the family's relocation.

“A truly excellent school exists there. And Clay has thrived considerably. And they extended a genuinely warm reception,” the actress informed Us. “And I adore the small town, the quaint village. It resides within Dublin's core, yet retains a village charm where you recognize the shopkeepers and the tellers. The populace exhibits an astonishing degree of kindness that astonishes me daily.”

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Wade’s daughter (and Union’s stepdaughter), Zaya Wade, publicly identified as trans at 12 years old in 2020 and has subsequently emerged as an advocate for fellow transgender youth. In 2024, Zaya collaborated with her father to introduce Translatable, a new digital platform providing LGBTQ+ children with a secure environment to articulate their online experiences.

“She did not seek out this additional public attention in her life,” Wade conveyed to People regarding Zay. “She simply wished to be a child, engage in childish activities, live her existence, and focus on her own concerns. That is the expectation for someone her age, to prioritize oneself. However, she is considering a broader community, and thus, as a father, I am immensely proud of her.”

Union discussed the significance of Zaya’s advocacy during a 2025 segment on The View.

“We safeguard [Zaya’s] liberty, her humanity, and her entitlements, ensuring she is permitted to flourish,” she emphasized. “When we receive commendations for her principles and her representation, it extends beyond just the LGBTQIA community. For instance, older individuals approach me and [express], ‘I wish my parents had granted me the autonomy to live authentically and achieve my utmost potential’ … She is motivating countless individuals to embrace their complete truth, and our pride is immeasurable.”

Marlon Wayans

Marlon initially addressed Kai’s transition during a November 2023 interview on The Breakfast Club, attributing his child’s path to aiding his personal “evolution as a parent, moving from unawareness and refusal to absolute unconditional affection and embrace.”

In an April 2025 guest spot on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s podcast “IMO,” Marlon shared that Kai’s journey illuminated the essence of “unconditional love” for their entire family.

“My insight as a parent is that ceasing to love your child due to their personal choices and life path reflects poorly on you,” he maintained.

Marlon proceeded, “Hear me, I am not here to pass judgment. I am not divine. Only the divine can judge … I will cherish my child, and I am a father. I will consistently advocate for them. I will consistently shield them. I will consistently honor them. No one can ever sway me. I might alienate supporters — excellent! I have shed individuals who are narrow-minded, unfeeling, and self-deprecating, so farewell to them.”

Marlon and his former partner Angelica Zachary are Kai’s parents.

Cher

LGBTQ+ advocate Chaz Bono initially addressed his transition during a two-part Entertainment Tonight special in 2009, disclosing that he had commenced gender-affirming medical treatment the previous year.

Cher confessed in a 2013 conversation with The Times that she found Chaz's coming out “challenging,” despite consistently holding him in high regard and affection.

“Initially, I didn’t struggle when Chaz approached me and declared, ‘This is my aspiration.’ I responded, ‘Indeed, if you are unhappy, then it is imperative that you proceed,’” Cher recalled. “However, as the transformation began to unfold, it presented, as you know, an unusual adjustment for a mother.”

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The “Believe” vocalist recounted a particularly intense period, “I adopted a completely defensive maternal stance. My initial reaction was quite unfavorable because it genuinely represents the final unexplored territory that people fail to comprehend. It proves challenging for them to grasp. Yet, his courage was immense. I am simply proud that he undertook this to support others navigating similar experiences.”

Following scrutiny for employing Chaz’s birth name in her 2024 publication Cher: The Memoir — Part One, Cher clarified that she had obtained her son's approval beforehand.

“This autobiography draws upon my (occasionally fallible) recollections,” Cher elaborated. “Within this account, I address my son Chaz as Chas, the name he used during the timeframe this book encompasses. Chaz has given his consent for this designation. In the subsequent installment, at the fitting juncture, I shall refer to my son as Chaz.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Curtis disclosed in 2022 that her daughter Ruby, shared with husband Christopher Guest, had identified as trans the preceding year.

“It was daunting — purely the act of revealing something about myself they were unaware of,” Ruby informed People then. “It felt intimidating — yet I had no apprehension. They had always embraced me throughout my life.”

Within the identical interview, Curtis compared embracing Ruby’s identity to acquiring “an unfamiliar language.”

“It involves grasping fresh terminology and vocabulary. This is a novel area for me,” she stated then, “I do not claim extensive knowledge on the subject. And I anticipate I will falter, I will commit errors. My aim is to endeavor to prevent significant missteps.”

Curtis later dedicated her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress to Ruby, referring to the statuette using they/them pronouns.

The acclaimed actress has emerged as a staunch public champion for trans rights, asserting to NBC’s Today in 2023 that “no grounds for dispute exist” concerning the community.

“Transgender individuals have always existed and are not disappearing. This is not about a belief system,” she declared. “It is straightforward — trans rights equate to human rights. Any assertion to the contrary is incorrect.”

Ally Sheedy

The actress from The Breakfast Club discovered her son Beckett was trans during his early adolescence. (Sheedy is co-parent to Beckett with her former spouse, actor David Lansbury.)

“Beck conceals nothing,” she informed People in 2022. “And I feel quite at ease discussing this with anyone whose child is embarking on the transition journey. Parents must inform themselves. It is inherent to experience anxieties about one’s children, regardless of circumstances. However, in this instance, Beck is thriving in his life. I grant him the liberty to explore, and I simply endeavor to observe.”

Sheedy noted that she “gained significant understanding” from Beckett and conveyed her hopes that he will “succeed in his life’s aspirations and possess the autonomy to determine his own path.”

“To date, he has successfully achieved that,” she confirmed.

Heather DuBrow

The personality from The Real Housewives of Orange County initially addressed the identity of her son Ace, shared with husband Terry Dubrow, in recognition of International Sons Day in March 2023.

“We adore you, our youngest son, Ace ❤️,” she posted on Instagram. “Our role as parents involves providing our children with a secure and encouraging setting, enabling them to mature into wholesome, joyful, self-assured, and autonomous individuals.”

Heather further stated, “Given that Ace is a 12-year-old with a significant future before him – we will allow him to narrate his personal story should he decide to at a later time. Our utmost assurance is, Ace, we hold profound affection for you and are honored to be your parents. Your siblings also extend their love and encouragement.”

The esteemed Housewives figure later conveyed to GLAAD that portraying Ace’s narrative on RHOC could “assist other families and initiate dialogues within other households.”

“Visibility holds immense importance. Should an individual lack exposure to something, it remains unfamiliar, thus hindering comprehension,” Heather observed.

Alexis Bellino

Alexis, Heather’s erstwhile RHOC castmate, publicly advocated for her then-14-year-old son Miles in 2022, following “inquiries and remarks” concerning his presentation. Alexis — who co-parents Miles with former husband Jim Bellino — posted on Instagram that Miles had “requested” she speak publicly on his behalf.

“I am unable to fathom the fortitude and bravery required for my child to [come out], yet I am exceedingly proud of him and wish for everyone to grasp that affection remains unaltered in such circumstances. It is boundless devotion,” Bellino authored.

Alexis lauded Miles’ “liberation” in desiring to reveal himself to the world, following almost two years dedicated to personal exploration.

“My son's face brightens each time a stranger addresses him as ‘he.’ My son engages in activities with other boys. My son can truly EXPERIENCE emotions. My son can now lead his life authentically,” she penned. “This is the same child, whose compassionate spirit led him to offer his sole water bottle to his parched friend in kindergarten. This is my same child who donates every spare dollar he possesses to individuals experiencing homelessness. I am so proud of Miles for aspiring to end animosity and for possessing the courage to come forward at such a tender age.”

Busy Philipps

In 2021, the erstwhile Dawson’s Creek performer announced on her podcast “Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best” that her then-12-year-old child, Birdie, had opted for they/them pronouns. Philipps further mentioned that Birdie had initially identified as gay to her at the age of 10. (She is co-parent to Birdie with former husband Marc Silverstein.)

“Bird expressed, ‘I don’t care. You are welcome to discuss my being gay and open. You can talk about my pronouns. That would be perfectly fine with me. That’s excellent.’ Therefore, I responded, ‘Alright, I can address it on the podcast,’” Philipps recounted in 2021.

Philipps provided a development in December 2023, informing Page Six that Birdie had later “determined that her pronouns are she/her.”

“[That demonstrates] the remarkable potential of gender-affirming care. It empowers children to ascertain their true selves,” Philipps contended.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon commemorated the Trans Day of Action in June 2018, accompanied by her son Seph. (Nixon and her former husband Danny Mozes are Seph’s parents.)

The actress from And Just Like That… subsequently referenced her son when refuting Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s critiques of the transgender community in 2020.

“It caused considerable distress for [Seph] as a significant portion of his early life revolved around Harry Potter,” Nixon conveyed to The Independent. “Our family is deeply connected to Harry Potter. The narratives appear to advocate for individuals who are distinct, so for her to single out this particular demographic who are distinctly different and effectively invalidate their presence, it is simply … truly perplexing.”

Nixon further remarked, “I understand she perceives herself as championing feminism, but I fail to comprehend her stance.”

The celebrated performer identified herself as “the parent of a proud transgender man” during a rally with NYU students advocating for gender-affirming care in February 2025.

“My spouse [Christine Marinoni] and I find our lives enriched by the most incredible, wonderful, courageous transgender individuals, across all ages, but particularly the youth,” she informed her fellow demonstrators.

Sigourney Weaver

Weaver revealed on the “Smartless” podcast in December 2022 that her child Shar Simpson identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. (Weaver and her husband, stage director Jim Simpson, are Shar’s parents.)

“We are blessed with an incredible [child] who is currently 32 — I cannot explain it, [they] retain the appearance of a 12-year-old. … Indeed, they are nonbinary and work as an educator,” the Avatar lead informed hosts Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman.

Shar holds a position at the Columbia University School of the Arts’ Digital Storytelling Lab as an adjunct assistant professor.

“They are an individual who is enthusiastic about artificial intelligence and exhibits no apprehension towards it. They showed absolutely no inclination towards pursuing my profession. That brought immense joy to my husband and me,” Weaver shared with The Sunday Times in July 2023.

Charlize Theron

The Oscar-winning actress disclosed to The Daily Mail in 2019 that her daughter Jackson initially articulated her identity at the age of 3.

“I also perceived her as a boy, until she gazed at me when she was 3 years old and declared: ‘I am not a boy.’ And there you have it,” Theron recounted. “I am blessed with two lovely daughters whom, like any parent, I desire to safeguard and observe flourish. They came into this world as their authentic selves, and precisely where in the world they discover themselves as they mature, and who they aspire to be, is not within my purview to determine.”

“My responsibility as a parent entails celebrating them, loving them, and ensuring they possess all necessary resources to become whom they wish to be,” she further articulated. “And I will exert every effort to guarantee my children enjoy that entitlement and are safeguarded in doing so.”

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During a later conversation with Pride Source, Theron explained the imperative of publicly addressing Jackson’s pronouns, attributing it to her daughter's increasing age.

“My daughter’s narrative is truly her own, and at some point, should she opt to, she will share it. As her mother, I felt it essential to convey to the world that I would be grateful if the correct pronouns were used for her,” she stated. “I believe it became more challenging for us as she matured, with people continually referencing her with incorrect pronouns, and even my own public statements in the press using the wrong pronoun. This genuinely upset her. I do not wish to be that kind of mother, and that was the core reason for my earlier declaration.”

Theron concluded, “I haven't genuinely discussed it since then, primarily because beyond simply making that respectful request to the press – and ideally, the global public – the remainder is deeply personal and constitutes her narrative, and it rests entirely with her to determine if she wishes to impart it.”

Annette Bening and Warren Beatty

The legendary Hollywood pair has stood by their son Stephen Ira since he identified as trans at 14. Beatty described Stephen as “a visionary, an intellect, and my champion” in a 2016 Vanity Fair feature, while Bening mentioned to AARP in 2019 that her son managed his transition with “grace.”

“He has navigated a considerably arduous situation with remarkable elegance and sharp intellect. He is an eloquent, reflective individual, and I am profoundly proud of him,” she stated.

Although Bening seldom discusses her private affairs, she informed The View in January 2024 that she “felt compelled to engage in public discourse” given the political anti-trans commentary and resulting legislation.

“Initially, I was intensely concerned for his privacy, owing to his being the offspring of two renowned figures,” Bening expressed. “Consequently, I felt a strong urge to protect him, believing it was his prerogative to articulate his truth publicly, or not. Yet, as time has progressed — particularly now, unfortunately, with the ongoing political developments, [and how] transgender individuals are being leveraged — apprehension and lack of understanding are being incited against trans people in the most alarming manner. It is profoundly unjust.”

Liev Schreiber

The former Ray Donovan actor and ex-partner Naomi Watts are parents to two children, Sasha and Kai, with Kai identifying as transgender.

“Kai has consistently been their authentic self. I imagine the most impactful instance was when she requested we alter her pronouns,” Schreiber, who also has a daughter with wife Taylor Neisen, conveyed to Variety in May 2025. “Frankly, it didn’t strike me as a significant issue, primarily because Kai had displayed such pronounced femininity for an extended period.”

He further stated, “Kai possesses such a resilient spirit. It is crucial that she asserts, ‘Listen, I am transgender,’ and, ‘Observe me,’ and, ‘To hell with you. Begone.’”