Liev Schreiber champions his transgender daughter Kai's visibility

In a recent interview with Variety, Liev Schreiber shared insights about his 16-year-old daughter Kai, who identifies as transgender. The conversation took place in the context of the family attending the Ali Forney Center's A Place at the Table Gala, an event focused on supporting homeless LGBTQ youth and raising awareness about their needs. Schreiber emphasized that Kai has always been herself, portraying her journey as a natural progression rather than a dramatic declaration. He recalled that Kai did not formally come out to him and her mother, Naomi Watts, but instead simply requested a change in pronouns, which felt seamless given Kai's longstanding feminine expression. During the interview, Schreiber also underscored the importance of Kai's visibility and the challenges faced by transgender individuals, especially youth. He praised Kai for being a 'fighter' and highlighted her experience as a model for Valentino, a role that places her at the forefront of representation within the LGBTQ community. Schreiber articulated the need for society to recognize the struggles endured by transgender youth, touching upon the lack of resources and support many in this demographic experience. According to him, while glamour and representation are vital, they must also be accompanied by genuine concern for the well-being of those suffering from societal neglect and violence. Schreiber approached the topic of parenting a transgender teen with sensitivity, expressing reluctance to offer generalized advice. He acknowledged that the experience of parenting differs from family to family, referencing various influences such as upbringing and spirituality. While he offered some light-hearted commentary about the universal challenges of raising teenagers, he also made it clear that being the parent to a transgender child involves unique hurdles. He conveyed empathy for those navigating similar paths while maintaining that typical teenage struggles remain constant, regardless of gender identity. Schreiber's humor and candidness suggested a balanced approach to his daughter’s transition. Despite his supportive stance, Schreiber mentioned the current political climate surrounding transgender rights, including recent legal decisions that pose challenges for transgender individuals. He expressed his desire not to amplify fear concerning these issues, suggesting a careful navigation of the dialogue around transgender rights, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the positive impact of being present for transitional youth. He stated, 'There's enough in the world to be anxious and afraid about,' indicating a hopefulness despite the challenges that lie ahead for the transgender community. Overall, Schreiber's reflections provided an insightful look into the dynamics of advocacy, the complexities of family acceptance, and the critical conversation surrounding transgender visibility in contemporary society.