Even though every child needs and wants to be loved and supported by their parents, there are many who unfortunately cannot count on that much-needed love and support. This, of course, happens to children regardless of gender identification or sexual orientation, but it’s undeniable that LGBTQ+ children face or fear rejection from their parents or parental figures in a way that those who conform to societal "norms" regarding gender or sexual orientation don’t, which is why it can be terrifying for LGTBQ+ kids to come out to their parents. This is why we want to take the time to acknowledge celebrities who love and openly support their LGBTQ+ kids.
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Whether we like it or not, celebrities are influential people, and their behavior sets an example for the culture at large. When famous parents like Carlos Vives and Gloria and Emilio Estefan stand in loving solidarity with their LGBTQ+ children, it matters immensely, because as studies—including one published in Pediatric Clinics of North America—have found, “Parental rejection of LGBT youth negatively affects youths’ identity and health.” Research has also found that not being accepted by their parents as teens has led to LGBTQ+ adults reporting higher rates of attempted suicide, depression, drug use, and unprotected sex than their peers who did have parental acceptance in their formative years. So thank you to the following celebrity parents for setting such a great example when it comes to loving and supporting their LGBTQ+ kids.
All of Marcia Gay Harden’s kids are queer.
Oscar winner Marcia joyfully participated in the 2023 Drag Isn’t Dangerous fundraiser, and stated: “My eldest child is non-binary. My son is gay. My youngest is fluid. And you know, they are my kids, and they teach me every day.”
Raúl Araiza greatly admires his daughter
In July 2022, Camila Araiza announced via social media that she is pansexual. Her father, Mexican actor Raúl Araiza, shared that he loves and admires her profoundly and that she has always been very brave.
Carlos Vives focuses on love in all acts.
When a picture of the Colombian singer's daughter, Lucy, kissing Lauren Jauregui made the rounds a few years ago, he was unfazed when asked about it. In an interview for Suelta la Sopa, Carlos Vives said: "I have always told my children that in all their acts there should always be love. When I was called about the kiss I did not worry, what is behind that symbol is surely very important to her."
Gloria and Emilio Estefan are beyond proud of their daughter Emily.
Emily Estefan has been in a relationship with artist Gemeny Hernandez since 2016, and her parents, Gloria and Emilio, have no issues with their daughter being in love with a woman. Emily and Gemeny attended the Kennedy Center Honors tribute for Gloria Estefan together in 2017, because why wouldn't they?
At first, Jackie Guerrido had a hard time accepting that her daughter, Adieny Núñez, is gay.
In an emotional interview with Univisión, the Puerto Rican journalist acknowledged that at first it was hard to accept that her daughter is gay. "It's a shock," she said, and admitted to asking questions like "Are you sure?" and "What if we go to the psychologist?" "We weren't raised to understand that there are different sexual preferences," she added. Fortunately, Jackie has come around and supports her daughter in a loving way.
The late Gloria Vanderbilt was proud of her son Anderson Cooper's courage.
The late fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt and her son Anderson Cooper were interviewed together by People, and she said the sweetest thing about her son's coming out to her. "It took great courage for you to confide in me. I hope you know that I am more than 'okay' with it; I rejoice that you are gay! It's part of what makes you the person you are," she shared.
Magic Johnson knows it's all about loving and accepting your kids.
Magic Johnson's son EJ came out at the age of 17. The former NBA player talked about the experience on a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show. "It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do. And when my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. We love him. EJ is amazing," he shared.
Marlon Wayans wants the world to know how he feels about his eldest child.
In June 2019, Marlon Wayans wished his daughter Amai a happy Pride Month with the following caption alongside a photo of her on Instagram: "Happy pride to my pride and joy. I wouldn’t change one effing thing about you. Love you to the moon around the sun through the galaxies and back again."
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union are very supportive of Zaya.
The former professional basketball's transgender daughter Zaya was originally named Zion and did a lot to educate her family on her gender identity. "Zaya started doing more research. She was the one that sat down with us as a family and said, 'Hey I don't think I'm gay.' And she went down the list and said this is how I identify myself—I identify myself as a young lady. I think I'm a straight trans, because I like boys,'" Dwyane shared in an interview. "It was a process for us to sit down with our daughter and find out who she is and what she likes and not put something on her—we decided to listen to her and she's leading us on this journey."
Cynthia Nixon is proud to salute her transgender son.
On June 22,2018, the And Just Like That actor shared a picture of herself and her son and wrote: "I’m so proud of my son Samuel Joseph Mozes (called Seph) who graduated college this month. I salute him and everyone else marking today’s #TransDayofAction. #TDOA."
Warren Beatty and Annette Bening adore their transgender son.
“He’s managed something that’s very challenging with great style and great intelligence,” Annette told AARP about her son Stephen coming out as transgender at age 14. “He’s an articulate, thoughtful person, and I’m very, very proud of him” And what does Warren think? “He’s a revolutionary, a genius, and my hero, as are all my children,” Warren told Vanity Fair in 2016.
Andrés García didn't have a problem with his son being gay.
When Andrés García Jr. came out as gay, many assumed that his dad—the telenovela star Andrés García—would have a problem with it, but according to daughter Andrea García, that was not the case and never has been. She says her dad was like, "It's your life," and was fine with it. The iconic actor passed away on April 4, 2023.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest are so proud of their transgender daughter Ruby.
"[My husband and I] have watched in wonder and pride as our son became our daughter Ruby," Jaimie Lee Curtis told AARP in 2021. It must make Ruby feel wonderful that her parents are both so supportive and proud of her journey.
Sally Field publicly loves and supports her son Samuel Greisman.
In an open letter to the Human Rights Campaign, Sally Field wrote: "Sam is my youngest son, by 18 years, and he's gay. To that, I say: So what? […] His journey to allow himself to be what nature intended him to be was not an easy one […] I could make it easier only by standing visibly to the side, clearly loving him, always being there and always letting him know."
Billy Ray Cyrus is OK with daughter Miley Cyrus being pansexual.
"We've always been very open-minded," Billy Ray Cyrus said after Miley Cyrus came out as pansexual. He went on to say, "She's rocking and rolling and having a good time. What the world needs is love. There's too much hate … The world needs positive influences."
Sting has no issues accepting his nonbinary child Eliot Sumner.
Eliot Sumner, assigned female at birth, is the child of Sting and Trudie Styler. Eliot does not identify as male or female. “I think forever I was trying to figure out maybe … what I am,” Eliot said in an interview. “But I don’t think anyone should feel pressured to have any kind of label or tag on them. We should treat everybody the same. Me, I don’t like to be put down to a specific thing. We’re all human beings.”
Gospel musician Robert Stafford is supportive of son Lil Nas X.
Lil Nas X shared via Twitter an image of a text message he got from his dad that reads: "Very creative video. I got through it . Congratulations. Live life on your terms. Very PROUD of you ." How cool is that?! Very!
For more inspiration on how on how you can be a supportive family member, visit the Family Acceptance Project website.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
