Darnell Harris and his partner, Lisa, have faced criticism from intolerant social media users regarding their child, Skyler’s, gender expression. Recently, after Lisa posted a joyful Thanksgiving family photo, the negativity resurfaced, but Darnell’s response was a shining example of grace. Skyler, who is 12 years old and from a previous relationship, had been the target of online trolling due to their choice of wearing a crop top and sporting long painted nails.
While Darnell has previously referred to Skyler as his son, he affectionately shared a family picture in October 2019, captioning it “my girls,” showcasing his support for Skyler’s identity. This led to a wave of hateful comments from trolls who fixated on Skyler’s appearance.
On Thanksgiving, after Lisa shared their family snapshot, hateful remarks quickly followed, with one commenter questioning, “Why does his child have nails painted and dressed like a girl?” Another echoed this sentiment, lamenting that it was “leading kids to destruction.” However, Darnell wasn’t about to let this negativity slide. He took to Twitter, stating, “I’ve noticed some post-Thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is a part of this world we live in—so I get it. But here’s the thing—I’m chosen to lead my family, not y’all. We will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile!”
He added, “As a parent, my goal is for my kids to feel seen, loved, and supported.” Darnell has consistently demonstrated his commitment to Skyler, even designing a shirt that read “Please Remain Inclusive & Dedicated to Equality,” donating half of the proceeds to GLSEN, a vital organization fighting against discrimination and bullying of LGBT youth in schools. Moreover, he generously contributed $50,000 to the organization on behalf of his family.
Earlier in the year, after Lisa took Skyler to a Pride event while Darnell was away for work, he expressed his views on his child’s experience, saying, “I don’t talk about it much because it’s Skyler’s story to tell. Supporting each other as a family is our job, and as a father, I facilitate their lives and support them in whatever they choose.” Darnell and Lisa are truly exemplifying what unconditional love and acceptance look like.
For more heartwarming stories about family and love, check out this blog post. You can also find valuable insights on this topic at this resource and learn more from MedlinePlus.
In summary, Darnell Harris’s eloquent defense of his child against homophobic remarks reflects a deep commitment to love and acceptance. He stands as a powerful advocate for his child’s identity, showcasing the importance of family support in the face of adversity.