'This is his journey': 'Walking Dead' actor introduces transgender son
"The Walking Dead" star Khary Payton announced on Tuesday afternoon that his 11-year-old son Karter is transgender.
Payton, who plays Ezekiel on the long-running AMC show, made the announcement in a brief Twitter thread.
"This is my kid," Payton wrote alongside an adorable photo of his son smiling and giving a thumbs-up. "One of the most happy, well-adjusted individuals I've ever known. My son, Karter. Karter with a K because it reminded him of my name. He chose it. You see, he was born female but has always identified as a boy."
This my kid. One of the most happy, well-adjusted individuals I’ve ever known. My son, Karter. Karter with a K because it reminded him of my name. He chose it. You see, he was born female but has always identified as a boy. pic.twitter.com/PLJDcRTQGY
— Khary Payton (@kharypayton) June 15, 2020
Payton said Karter had asked him to share the news on his social accounts.
"(Karter) thought it would be cool if I announced it on social media," Payton continued. "I told him there would be so many supporters but also a lot of jerks who would be harsh. He said, 'Yeah, I know about trolls, Daddy. I can handle trolls.'"
Man, there is nothing more beautiful than watching your child feel the joy of exploring what it means to be true to themselves. This is his journey, and I am here for it. I hope you all have the opportunity to feel the unquenchable love that I am feeling right now.
— Khary Payton (@kharypayton) June 15, 2020
"Man, there is nothing more beautiful than watching your child feel the joy of exploring what it means to be true to themselves," Payton continued. "This is his journey, and I am here for it. I hope you all have the opportunity to feel the unquenchable love that I am feeling right now."
Twitter fans and followers were quick to support Payton and Karter.
"(Thumbs up) right back at Karter!" wrote "Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill in a short, emoji-studded message.
"He is gonna flip when I show him your reply," Payton responded.
🤩He is gonna flip when I show him your reply. Thanks so much.
— Khary Payton (@kharypayton) June 16, 2020
Some offered to defend Karter against any trolls or negativity online.
"Me getting ready to fight off the haters," wrote one fan, in a comment that also praised the father and son.
"He may be able to handle trolls but he shouldn't have to," added another.
He may be able to handle trolls but he shouldn't have to.
Me, trying to get between the trolls and the children pic.twitter.com/ZoWUSZl9MI— Venus Jade 🕙 (@Venusjade) June 15, 2020
Others applauded Payton's open-mindedness.
"This is beautiful," wrote one commentator, praising Payton for doing a "great job."
This is beautiful. We don’t take enough time to enjoy where we are, what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, much less take joy in others - or even more importantly give them room and love to grow. Great job dad, really.
— DXB (@dxb88hk) June 16, 2020
Another Twitter user added that the "most important thing" for transgender children is having supportive parents.
Most important thing is having parents who accept you and are there for you. So glad to see you do.
— Wondering Woman (@mariel9898) June 16, 2020
"What a star," wrote another. "We should be so proud of our trans kids and sing it from the roof tops. So happy to see a like minded parent."
What a star. We should be so proud of our trans kids and sing it from the roof tops. So happy to see a like minded parent 😁
— Transmetalmum (@transmetalmum) June 16, 2020
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