In a recent interview, former NBA star Jamal Carter shared his heartfelt reflections on parenting a child navigating her gender identity, demonstrating immense love and support. Jamal and his partner, Lisa, have consistently showcased their devotion to their family on social media, where they often share delightful moments with their kids—Vivian, their one-year-old daughter, along with Jamal’s sons from a previous relationship: 17-year-old Zach, 12-year-old Zane, and 6-year-old Xander.
Encouragement and Support for Zane
Jamal has been particularly vocal about his encouragement for Zane as she embraces her true self. In the interview, he expressed, “You want to talk about strength and courage? My 12-year-old has more of both than I ever could.” He recalled the moment he had to confront his own beliefs when Zane, then three, began showing signs that she didn’t align with the typical boy persona that Zach embodied. Jamal reflected, “I had to ask myself, ‘What if your child comes home and tells you she’s a girl? How will you respond? This isn’t about her; it’s about you. Who are you willing to be?’”
Pride in Zane’s Identity
As the conversation progressed, Jamal shared his pride in watching Zane grow into her identity. “Nothing about my love has changed,” he affirmed. This marks the first instance where Jamal has openly used feminine pronouns for Zane, despite her having expressed her identity publicly for some time. Following some negative comments directed at a family photo of Zane wearing long nails and a crop top, Jamal took to social media to defend her. He wrote, “Ignorance is part of our reality—so I understand it. But the truth is, I’ve been chosen to guide my family, not you. We will continue to be ourselves, supporting one another with love and joy!”
Lisa’s Support
Lisa has also stood up for Zane. In a recent Instagram story, she posted a picture of Vivian and Zane, captioned “My girls.” Despite facing backlash for this, she had the perfect retort ready on Twitter.
A Lesson in Love and Acceptance
Jamal and Lisa exemplify how to parent in a world that is increasingly open to the LGBTQ+ community. Their approach is a beautiful lesson in love and acceptance that more parents could aspire to follow. For further insights into parenting and family dynamics, check out this additional post on our blog about family and identity here. Similarly, for those exploring legal considerations surrounding parenting, this site offers valuable information. If you’re looking for resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination, this page is an excellent reference.
Conclusion
In summary, Jamal Carter’s interview highlights the importance of love and support in parenting, particularly when it comes to embracing a child’s unique identity. His journey with Zane serves as an inspiring example for families navigating similar experiences.