Famous Parents Who Proudly Support Their Transgender Children

10 Celebrity Parents Who Proudly Support Their Transgender Children: From Cher to Robert De Niro

As Pride Month celebrates LGBTQ+ communities with vibrant events and parades worldwide, it’s important to remember that Pride began as an act of protest for improved rights—not just a celebration. Among the most vulnerable and often targeted groups within the LGBTQ+ spectrum are transgender people. Recently, U.S. Supreme Court decisions have left many feeling anxious for the future, highlighting the urgent need for allyship and family support.

In this climate, some of the world’s most well-known celebrities have used their platforms to advocate for their transgender children, sending a strong message of acceptance, visibility, and love. Here, we spotlight 10 celebrity parents who openly and proudly support their trans and non-binary children.

Cher and Chaz Bono

Cher, legendary singer and actress, has been an outspoken supporter of her son, Chaz Bono. Initially, Cher found it difficult to adjust when Chaz first came out as a lesbian, before transitioning between 2009 and 2010. She shared with Christine Amanpour, “It wasn’t easy… you have one child, but you don’t really lose them—they just are in a different shape.” Over time, Cher has become deeply involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy, encouraging acceptance and understanding. Chaz’s transition made their relationship stronger and inspired Cher’s activism. She’s often voiced her disdain for those who fail to understand or accept trans identities, asking, “I don’t know what people’s problems are. They’re just fearful, and they don’t know how to react to it” (see more on Cher’s story at Hello! Magazine).

Robert De Niro and Airyn

Acclaimed actor Robert De Niro has shown unwavering love for his daughter Airyn, who came out as transgender in 2025. De Niro’s public affirmation of his support, “I loved and supported [her] as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children,” has resonated with many parents navigating similar journeys. Airyn herself has spoken about embracing her identity, stating in a Them interview, “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen. I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.” This honest dialogue underscores the importance of family validation for trans people (read more at PinkNews).

Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest

Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband, director Christopher Guest, are proud parents to Ruby, who came out as trans in 2021. Curtis has spoken movingly about supporting Ruby’s journey, stating, “We have watched in wonder and pride as our son became our daughter Ruby.” Jamie Lee Curtis even officiated Ruby’s wedding in 2022, publicly and joyfully embracing her daughter’s identity. Curtis’s Instagram tributes, such as, “Love is love. A mother’s love knows no judgment… I stand in total solidarity with my children as their authentic selves,” have become sources of inspiration for others (learn more in People’s coverage).

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Hollywood power couple Gabrielle Union and retired NBA star Dwyane Wade have become role models for supportive parenting since their daughter Zaya publicly came out as transgender in 2020. They have not only advocated for Zaya at home but have also raised awareness and fought for trans rights in public forums, interviews, and on social media. Dwyane Wade famously declared, “My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, your wishes, your dreams. Zaya, you’ve made me a better human, just by being who you were born to be” (Out.com provides deeper insight). Their openness has empowered other families to accept and support their trans children.

Charlize Theron

Oscar winner Charlize Theron has supported her daughter’s gender identity from a young age. Theron revealed that her child asserted herself at age 3, saying, “I am not a boy!” While Theron initially wished to keep details private to protect her daughter’s well-being, she became vocal in response to media misuse of pronouns, emphasizing that her daughter’s story is hers to tell when she is ready. Theron’s approach highlights the importance of both public advocacy and personal privacy in supporting trans youth (read her statements in the Daily Mail and Out.com).

Cynthia Nixon

Best known for Sex and the City, Cynthia Nixon is a devoted mother to three children, one of whom, Samuel, is transgender. Nixon once described reading about another parent who said, “At a certain point… I could have a dead son or a live daughter.” That quote, she explained, deeply affected her understanding. Nixon encourages parents to listen to their children about their identities and experiences, underscoring that support can be life-saving.

Marlon Wayans

Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans has spoken candidly about his journey with his transgender son, Kai. Describing it as a transition not just for Kai but for himself as a parent, Wayans said, “I went from ignorance and denial to complete unconditional love and acceptance.” He discussed Kai’s transition on the Breakfast Club podcast and is using his upcoming comedy show to share these stories, further normalizing conversations on trans identity in Black families and beyond.

Adjoa Andoh

Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh has fiercely defended her transgender son Liam since he came out as a teen. Andoh’s public statements have called attention to the disproportionate rates of self-harm and suicide among trans youth. She has stressed the simple but powerful parental duty: “Your gig as a parent is to raise your child up… I want all my children to thrive.” Andoh’s advocacy reminds how pivotal familial support is to the well-being of young trans people.

Annette Bening

Actress Annette Bening has advocated for her son Stephen, especially as anti-trans sentiment has risen in the U.S. Bening emphasized her desire to shield Stephen’s privacy given both parents’ fame and to allow him to decide what to share publicly. More recently, she has spoken out for the necessity of defending trans rights in an often hostile political climate, stating, “Trans people are being used [in politics]—fear and ignorance is being stoked… It’s so unfair.” Bening’s commitment underscores the added challenges faced by high-profile families.

David and Georgia Tennant

David Tennant (Doctor Who) and his wife Georgia Tennant are vocal advocates for their non-binary child. David has been seen at public events wearing shirts with messages like, “Leave trans kids alone, you absolute freaks” in the colors of the trans pride flag, showing visible, creative solidarity. Georgia regularly embraces their child’s chosen pronouns and celebrates their milestones on social media, helping to raise broader awareness and acceptance (see coverage in the Evening Standard).

Why These Stories Matter

Transgender children often face significant social and legal hurdles. The vocal support from parents—especially when influential public figures speak out—helps reduce stigma and foster acceptance. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth who feel supported at home are much more likely to thrive as adults. For families navigating similar journeys, the examples set by these celebrities, who prioritize love and acceptance above all, provide hope and guidance.

For more on LGBTQ+ celebrities and parenting:

• Pride Month events and history
• Best Pride Festivals around the world
• Celebrity parents supporting transgender children (Hello! Magazine)
• Robert De Niro’s story at PinkNews
• Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union on affirming Zaya

As Jamie Lee Curtis beautifully put it, “Love is love. A mother’s love knows no judgment… my daughter and I are visible.” Let these stories serve as a reminder: family acceptance can make all the difference.