New York, New York — Liev Schreiber recently shared his thoughts on his daughter Kai, who publicly embraced her identity as a transgender girl. In a heartfelt conversation with Variety, he described a pivotal moment when Kai requested a change in her pronouns, emphasizing that her true self was clear to him long before then.
“The most significant event was when she expressed the desire for us to use her new pronouns,” Schreiber said. “For me, it didn’t feel like an enormous shift; Kai has always been very much herself.” He noted that Kai’s femininity had been apparent for a long time, which made the transition less surprising.
Kai, 16, has already begun to make waves in the fashion industry, having debuted on the runway for Valentino during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. This weekend, she will join her father and his wife, Taylor Neisen, at the Ali Forney Center’s A Place at the Table Gala in New York. The event supports LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, aligning with Schreiber’s commitment to advocate for marginalized communities.
“This goes beyond just representing the transgender community,” he explained. “It’s about helping individuals who lack essential resources and support systems.” Schreiber emphasized the importance of recognizing the struggles faced by many young people within the LGBTQ+ community, some of whom are rejected by their families and face severe challenges.
Continuing on the theme of community support, Schreiber said, “We need to remember that while we prepare to celebrate and showcase our identities, we are working to raise funds for a community that truly needs our help.” His words highlight the contrast between the privilege some may experience and the harsh realities faced by many others.
As for Kai’s journey since coming out, Schreiber characterized her as a resilient and courageous young woman. “She is definitely a fighter. It’s important for her to assert, ‘Hey, I am trans,’ and own that identity boldly,” he remarked, capturing Kai’s assertiveness in embracing her new role as a fashion icon.
When asked about advice for other parents navigating similar situations, Schreiber candidly admitted his limitations. “I can’t claim to understand what each family goes through,” he noted. “Every kid is different, and each situation is unique.” His laughter while acknowledging the challenges that come with raising teenagers offered a relatable touch, underscoring that parenting difficulties span all scenarios.
Despite recent political challenges faced by the transgender community, Schreiber remains optimistic. “I don’t want to focus too much on the negativity; there are already countless worries in our day-to-day lives,” he said. His perspective reflects a hope for a future where understanding and acceptance can flourish despite ongoing discourse around gender identity.
Schreiber’s support for Kai echoes sentiments expressed by other public figures, like Robert De Niro, whose daughter Airyn recently came out as transgender. De Niro praised his child, asserting, “I love and support her no matter what,” reinforcing a narrative of parental love and acceptance that resonates deeply in today’s societal climate.
As conversations about gender identity continue to evolve, both Schreiber and De Niro exemplify the importance of support and empowerment, serving as role models in a landscape that needs compassion and understanding for all identities.