From Rosie O’Donnell to Cynthia Nixon, these celebs use their platform to speak up
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGES BY PRIME VIDEO/LAURENCE AGRON VIA DREAMSTIME
It’s a harrowing time to exist as a trans person in the UK right now. Both here and across the pond in the US, trans people are having their access to healthcare challenged, and they are being excluded from sports teams and public places. Sometimes it feels like every day we wake up to the news that another one of our rights has been stripped away or a public figure has boasted anti-trans hate speech on a mainstream platform.
So, in light of all this, it’s more important than ever for our loved ones to advocate for us. To speak out against hate and to lift us up when the world is trying to kick us down. It’s great to see the celebrities listed below showing support for their trans and non-binary children.
Robert De Niro
Robert is one of Hollywood’s most recognisable actors. He also happens to be the father of Airyn De Niro, who publicly came out as trans for the first time earlier this year. Robert released a statement to Deadline saying: “I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is . . . I love all my children.”
Rosie O’Donnell
The iconic lesbian comedian and actor most recently made headlines when she and her non-binary child Clay relocated to Ireland stating that the two would consider coming back “when it’s safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America.” Rosie first spoke about parenting a non-binary child at the Queerties Awards in March 2024 while accepting her Icon Award.
Cynthia Nixon
The actor is not just publicly out as queer, but she’s also proudly a mum to her trans son, Samuel “Seph” Mozes.
Michelle Visage
At last year’s GLAAD Media Awards the RuPaul’s Drag Race judge spoke candidly about her experience parenting “a queer child who is basically transitioning”. She spoke about allowing herself grace to realise “this is not the child that you thought you were getting,” she said. “It’s an even better child, because they’re authentically themselves.” She then urged the listeners to “Just love your kids”.
@freeda_en American TV host and singer Michelle Visage shared her experience of supporting one of her children through their transition. She emphasised how crucial it is for parents to be a strong and supportive presence during this process. Visage encourages others in similar situations to not be afraid, to offer unconditional love, and to always be open to listening #MichelleVisage #Trans #TransRights #Parenthood #Queer #Acceptance #LGBTQIA ♬ original sound – Freeda
Charlize Theron
The Old Guard star’s trans daughter Jackson, whom she adopted in 2012, came out at a young age. During an interview with the Daily Mail, Charlize told the publication: “I have two beautiful daughters, who, just like any parent, I want to protect and I want to see thrive. They were born who they are and exactly where in the world both of them get to find themselves as they grow up, and who they want to be, is not for me to decide.”
Jamie Lee Curtis
The Freaky Friday star’s daughter Ruby Guest came out as trans in 2020. Since then Jamie has frequently used her platform to speak out in support of Ruby as well as the entire trans community.
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade
Many fans consider these two a power couple, and the love and support they both show for their trans daughter Zaya is one of the many reasons. The husband and wife have taken a stand against bigotry and fiercely defended Zaya’s trans identity across their platforms.
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