CNN —Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans loves his son unconditionally. Wayans shared the gender identity of his son, 23-year-old Kai Wayans, recently when he revealed details of a comedy special that he plans to release about their journey to acceptance. Despite the genre of Wayans’ special, the challenges trans people are facing in this moment is no laughing matter. “Trans youth are hurting right now,” said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, executive director of GLSEN, a national network of educators, students and local chapters fighting for inclusive education. “I want them to be free in spirit, free in thought, free to be themselves,” Wayans said.

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Persons: Marlon Wayans, Wayans, Kai Wayans, ”, Melanie Willingham, “, ” Wayans, “ I’m, Trevor, Ronita Nath, ” Nath, Trevor Project’s, Ally, Nonbinary, Ash Orr, ” Orr, Marlon, Susan Thronson, PFLAG, Allison Hope Organizations: CNN, LGBT Health, San Francisco State University, Mental Health, Nonbinary Young, National Center, Transgender Equality’s, Trans, National Center for Transgender Equality, PFLAG, New Yorker, The New York Times, Washington Post, Slate Locations: New