- Khary Payton, Ezekiel in “The Walking Dead,” celebrated his transgender son Karter, 11, on Instagram on Tuesday.
- Payton wrote: “You see, he was born female but has always identified as a boy. He thought it would be cool if I announced it on social media.”
- 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.”
- Celebrities including Payton’s “The Walking Dead” costar Samantha Morton and “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill commented their support for Karter.
- Payton’s wife, Stacy Reed Payton, also posted to Instagram, writing: “When he was born we thought he was a girl. We were mistaken. He is a boy. A smart, funny, brave, loving, magnificent boy.”
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“The Walking Dead” actor Khary Payton introduced his 11-year-old transgender son Karter to the world in a heartfelt Instagram post.
In the post shared on Tuesday, Payton put up a photo of Karter and wrote: “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. He thought it would be cool if I announced it on social media. I told him that 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.'”
Payton, who plays King Ezekiel in “The Walking Dead,” continued: “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.”
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His wife Stacy Reed Payton, posted similar sentiments to her own Instagram, writing: "When he was born we thought he was a girl. We were mistaken. He is a boy. A smart, funny, brave, loving, magnificent boy."
"I am so incredibly proud of him and feel blessed every single day to be his mama," Reed Payton wrote.
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Payton's "The Walking Dead" costar Samantha Morton, who played Alpa in the show, commented her support on his Instagram: "Karter we love you! You are incredible."
Meanwhile, Mark Hamill tweeted Payton his love for Karter:
👍right back at Karter!
❤️- Mar🐫— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) June 15, 2020
And Reno Wilson, who starred in CBS' "Mike & Molly," commented: "These kids are truly Amazing!! Teaching us how to be human on the regular! Let's go Karter!"
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