Marlon Wayans Has Set The Bar High For LGBTQ+ Allies, And Here's The Reason Why

Marlon Wayans wants the world to know he's 100% an LGBTQ+ ally, and he's not backing down.

The actor and comedian's résumé spans over 35 years, including the WB sitcom The Wayans Bros., Don't Be a Menace, Scary Movie, and White Chicks — all projects he notably worked on with his brother, Shawn Wayans.

Columbia Pictures / ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection, / ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

But, during this Pride Month, Marlon let it be known that he's proud to hold other titles besides comedian and entertainer — father and LGBTQ+ ally.

Marlon is the father of three children, and last week, he posted an Instagram tribute to his eldest, Kai, who identifies as gender nonbinary. In the post, Marlon wished a "Happy PRIDE" for Kai and all his friends, fans, and family, but the post received some backlash.

The backlash didn't faze Marlon, who took the hate as an opportunity to double-down, triple-down, and drive home the fact that he had nothing but love and support for LGBTQ+ people.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Marlon explained his reason for the series of Pride-themed photos and his decision to challenge the backlash. "What kind of toxic world do we live in where supporting people's fight for equality or nonjudgment or happiness is met with so much animosity?" Marlon asked. "What is wrong with our world?"

While filming a new Jordan Peele-produced movie, Him, Marlon collaborated with film photographer Parrish Lewis to create the series of now viral rainbow-colored photos.

"When I did the first post, I didn't think I was going to be met with any kind of hate," Marlon said. "And, my God, when I got hit with that flood of hate, the only thing I could do is post again. I'm a troll. So when I get negative energy, it was like being onstage and getting heckled. I'm going for you. You're not going to win this contest. What I'm not going to let you do is bully the people that I love. Not on my watch."

"I'm always going to use my platform to forward the agenda of love and equality. They don't understand that this was an adjustment for me and the family. There's no respect in that journey."

"I'm always going to protect my child. I'm always going to protect my friends. I have a lot of gay friends. I work in this industry. You know what I'm saying?" Marlon continued. "Hairdressers and acting coaches. I went to performing arts high school, so none of this is new to me. When are people going to just let it go, man? Just love and let go."

As a queer Black person who's experienced the darker side of estrangement or prejudice because of my sexuality, it's a breath of fresh air to see a person with Marlon's visibility take a stand, even if he doesn't necessarily think he's a hero for his gesture.

"I'm not trying to be a hero, but you're right. I think everybody needs to be decent," Marlon said in response to the interviewer, Seth Abramovitch's comment that the mission's been heard and now everyone's talking about it. "This is my child. And some people are like, 'You're tearing apart the Black family.' I'm like, 'No. YOU'RE tearing apart the family. I'm doing what you do to keep your family a unit. You love your children. You made those children — love your damn kids. You don't ostracize people because of their sexuality or anything else. That is your child. Find a way to love them, because if you don't love your children, I believe you don't love yourself.'"

Marlon is proof that it takes more than adding a couple of rainbows to your pictures. If you consider yourself an LGBTQ+ ally, you must put actual words and effort behind it.

Read the full interview here.

Looking for more LGBTQ+ or Pride content? Then check out all of BuzzFeed's posts celebrating Pride 2024.