Hollywood Actors with LGBT Kids

Many prominent figures in the entertainment industry have navigated the journey of raising children who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. These fathers often use their platforms to advocate for acceptance and share their experiences with parenting queer or transgender youth. While some maintain high levels of privacy, others have publicly celebrated their children’s identities and milestones. The following list highlights male Hollywood actors who have supported their LGBT children.

Marlon Wayans

The comedic actor known for ‘White Chicks’ and ‘Scary Movie’ has been open about his journey parenting his transgender child, Kai. Wayans revealed that he transitioned from ignorance to unconditional love and acceptance to ensure his child felt free. He has incorporated this personal evolution into his stand-up comedy routines to help other parents understand the experience. Wayans emphasizes that his only goal is for his children to be happy and authentic.

Ben Affleck

Affleck shares a child named Fin with his former spouse, Jennifer Garner. Fin publicly debuted their new name and shaved head during a memorial service for their grandfather in 2024. The ‘Argo’ director and actor has maintained a supportive co-parenting relationship that prioritizes the well-being of his children. Fin has been photographed spending quality time with Affleck, indicating a close family bond during their teenage years.

Warren Beatty

Beatty and his wife Annette Bening are parents to Stephen Ira, a transgender man who is a writer and activist. Stephen began his transition in his teenage years and has since become a vocal advocate for trans rights and healthcare. The ‘Dick Tracy’ star has publicly called his son a revolutionary and a genius. Beatty has expressed immense pride in Stephen’s intelligence and courage in living his truth.

Robert De Niro

The legendary ‘Taxi Driver’ actor has spoken about parenting his gay son, Julian, whom he shares with Toukie Smith. De Niro is notoriously private but confirmed in interviews that he worries about his children’s safety regarding prejudice. He emphasizes the importance of open communication within the family dynamic. Julian has occasionally appeared in acting roles, following in his father’s cinematic footsteps.

Johnny Depp

Depp has expressed full support for his daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, regarding her sexual fluidity. The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star noted that he already knew about her identity because of their close and honest relationship before she joined a public LGBTQ+ campaign. Lily-Rose participated in the Self Evident Truths project, which documents people who identify as not 100 percent straight. Depp has praised her maturity and stated he is always there to offer advice or support.

Will Smith

Smith’s daughter, Willow, came out as bisexual and polyamorous during an episode of the web series ‘Red Table Talk’. The ‘Men in Black’ actor has fostered an environment of radical honesty and self-expression within his family. Willow explained that she focuses on emotional connections regardless of gender and has discussed her views on relationships openly. Smith supports his children’s autonomy and their freedom to define their own lives.

Khary Payton

Known for his role as King Ezekiel on ‘The Walking Dead’, Payton proudly introduced his transgender son, Karter, to the world via social media. He shared that Karter was born female but always identified as a boy, eventually choosing his new name. Payton described watching his son find his true self as a beautiful journey. The actor remains a vocal supporter of trans rights and celebrates his son’s confidence.

Sting

The musician and actor, who appeared in ‘Dune’ and ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, is father to Eliot Sumner. Eliot identifies as gender-fluid and non-binary, preferring not to use gendered labels, and has been in relationships with women. Sting has always supported his children’s individuality and artistic pursuits. Eliot has followed in their father’s footsteps as a talented musician and actor.

Jackie Chan

The martial arts icon has a daughter, Etta Ng, who publicly came out as a lesbian. Etta has made headlines regarding her relationship with her wife and their struggles with housing and financial stability. While their relationship has been described as estranged and complicated by media reports, Etta has been open about her identity on social media. She continues to live her life in the public eye, independent of her father’s massive Hollywood legacy.

Billy Ray Cyrus

The country singer and ‘Hannah Montana’ actor is the father of global superstar Miley Cyrus. Miley has identified as pansexual and gender-fluid, refusing to conform to traditional labels regarding her partners. Billy Ray has stood by his daughter through her various artistic reinventions and personal revelations. He has frequently expressed that his main priority is that she remains happy and true to her spirit.

Ethan Hawke

Hawke shares his daughter, Maya Hawke, with actress Uma Thurman. Maya, who gained fame for her role in ‘Stranger Things’, has identified as queer in interviews and discusses her sexuality with candor. Ethan has been a vocal supporter of her career and her authentic self-expression. The father-daughter duo has even collaborated professionally, showcasing their strong bond.

David Tennant

The ‘Doctor Who’ star is a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community and raises a non-binary child, Wilfred. Tennant frequently wears non-binary and trans pride pins during television appearances and red carpet events to signal his support. The actor and his wife, Georgia, have shared photos of their family attending Pride celebrations together. He openly challenges anti-LGBTQ rhetoric to create a safer world for his child.

Elliott Gould

Gould, known for his roles in ‘MAS*H’ and ‘Friends’, is the father of Jason Gould, whom he shares with Barbra Streisand. Jason is gay and has worked as an actor and singer, sometimes collaborating with his famous parents. Elliott appeared alongside Jason in the short film ‘Inside Out’, which explored the life of a gay man with celebrity parents. The veteran actor has maintained a supportive and loving relationship with his son throughout his life.

Alec Baldwin

Baldwin’s daughter, Ireland, has been open about her fluid sexuality and her past relationships with women, including rapper Angel Haze. The ’30 Rock’ actor has stated that Ireland helped him understand that sexuality is a spectrum rather than a binary. He has discussed how his daughter’s openness taught him to look at relationships differently. Baldwin supports Ireland’s choices and her career in the modeling and entertainment industry.

If you know of other supportive celebrity parents who advocate for their children, please share your thoughts in the comments.