Actor Liev Schreiber is voicing his unwavering support for his 16-year-old daughter, Kai, who is transgender. In a candid interview with Variety, Schreiber shared insights into his parenting journey and the significance of Kai's identity, especially as they prepare to attend the Ali Forney Center’s A Place at the Table Gala on May 9, 2025, in New York City. The gala aims to raise funds for homeless LGBTQ youth, a cause that resonates deeply with the actor.
Schreiber reflected on Kai’s experience, noting that she never formally came out to him or her mother, actress Naomi Watts. Instead, he recounted a profound moment when Kai asked her parents to change her pronouns. “Kai was always who Kai is,” he said. “But I suppose the most profound moment was her asking us to change her pronouns. To be honest with you, it didn’t feel like that big of a deal to me only because Kai had been so feminine for so long.”
The actor praised his daughter’s strength, stating, “Kai is such a fighter.” He emphasized the importance of visibility for transgender individuals, saying, “It’s important that she goes, ‘Hey, I am trans,’ and, ‘Look at me.’” This sentiment is particularly poignant given the current political climate, where transgender rights are under scrutiny.
Schreiber, who shares two children with Watts—Sasha, 17, and Kai, born in 2008—acknowledged that not all transgender youth have the same level of support from their families. “This isn’t just about representing the trans community,” he explained. “This is actually a community of people who don’t have great resources, who don’t have access to help, who aren’t being protected and looked after by their families. These are people who are being rejected.”
He highlighted the harsh realities faced by many in the transgender community, stating that some individuals experience “the harshest version of humanity,” and tragically, some do not survive it. Schreiber’s commitment to raising awareness about these issues is evident as he prepares to attend the gala with Kai and his wife, Taylor Neisen.
In addition to his advocacy, Schreiber offered a dose of humor about the challenges of parenting teenagers. “Teenagers are a headache. They’re hard,” he remarked. “It doesn’t matter whether they’re trans or not because you’ll come out of this. But a trans teen is going to be a teen. They’re such a pain so much of the time, and Kai is as feisty and outspoken as they come.”
This lighthearted approach does not diminish the seriousness of the issues at hand. Schreiber is aware of the political landscape surrounding transgender rights, particularly following a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender service members in the military. “To some degree, I feel like I don’t want to overcook that fear or that anxiety,” he said, expressing a desire to focus on positive actions rather than dwelling on negativity.
Schreiber’s support for Kai comes at a time when public figures are increasingly vocal about their transgender family members. Recently, actor Robert De Niro also expressed his love for his daughter, Airyn, after she came out as transgender. Schreiber’s stance stands in stark contrast to that of other notable figures, such as Elon Musk, whose estranged daughter, Vivian Wilson, has publicly criticized him for his lack of support.
As Kai continues to forge her own path, she made headlines earlier this year by walking the runway for Valentino at Paris Fashion Week. This milestone in her modeling career marks a significant achievement, and she later starred in an ad campaign for the luxury fashion house. Schreiber celebrated her accomplishments, stating, “I’m proud of her. She did an amazing job in the show.”
Through his words and actions, Liev Schreiber exemplifies the importance of parental support in the lives of transgender youth. He recognizes that while his daughter may have certain privileges, many in the transgender community face significant challenges without the backing of their families. By attending the gala and raising awareness, Schreiber hopes to contribute to a greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals.
As the conversation around transgender rights continues to evolve, Schreiber’s message remains clear: support and visibility are crucial. He encourages others to stand with marginalized communities and advocate for those who may not have a voice. “It’s important to uplift and empower young people in need,” he said, underscoring the mission of the Ali Forney Center.
In a world where transgender individuals often face discrimination and violence, Schreiber’s commitment to his daughter and the broader LGBTQ community serves as a beacon of hope. As they prepare for the gala, the message is clear: love and acceptance can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
Ultimately, Liev Schreiber’s journey as a father to a transgender child highlights the importance of compassion, understanding, and advocacy. As he continues to support Kai and raise awareness for the challenges faced by transgender youth, his voice adds to the growing chorus of those fighting for equality and acceptance.
