Marlon Wayans New Pride Photos Garner Backlash and Support
Marlon Wayans posted photos from a Pride photoshoot he did in support of his LGBTQIA+ friends and family. The comedian was met with mixed reactions from his followers.
The photoshoot was with photographer Parrish Lewis, known for his work with films, athletes, and actors.
Wayans stated that although he is straight, the shoot was to show support for his transgender son. “P.S. I’m straight… well, according to my child, CISGENDER male. I just love and support my peoples.”
After receiving hateful messages and disapproving comments, the actor doubled down, stating, “As a father of a child in the LGBTQ+ community, I show my support.” He added, “How can you love anyone when you’re too busy judging? Some of y’all funny. I’m a troll. I’ll post all day.”
He posted a total of six posts with photos from the shoot and subsequently lost 10,000 followers. However, the response was not all negative. Many people showed their support and commended him for his openness as an ally and his support for his family and friends.
I LOVE how Marlon Wayans shows up for his LGBTQ child. I can’t say I know what this looks like personally but it’s beautiful to see and I hope we get to a place where this type of support is normalized and not ridiculed. pic.twitter.com/nDmXMa2M5c
— Micah Butler (@ItsMicahB) June 14, 2024
No cops at Pride, just Marlon Wayans trolling the haters https://t.co/YCYZ0Vsfnt
— Charlotte. (@charlotteirene8) June 15, 2024
Celebrities including Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Tiffany Haddish commented on his post, applauding his courage and solidarity, and showcasing allyship in Hollywood. Companies and organizations such as Sephora and the Human Rights Campaign also left supportive comments.
This isn’t the first time the actor has shown support as a parent with a child in the LGBTQIA+ community. It also isn’t the first time he’s been met with negativity about it. In 2019, the star trended for similar reasons.
Wayans’ subsequent posts underline the shifting cultural attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ acceptance and the remaining resistance to inclusivity regarding sexuality and sexual orientation.
In the same caption, he promoted his Prime Video stand-up comedy special, Marlon Wayans: Good Grief, shot at the Apollo Theater. In the special, he reflects on grief after the loss of his parents and discusses who is the funniest Wayans.
For a glimpse into the film, take a moment to watch the trailer below.
