Rosie O’Donnell Shares How Her Child Clay, 12, Came Out to Her as Nonbinary: ‘Most Interesting Thing’

Rosie O’Donnell, the renowned actress and comedian, recently shared a heartfelt story about her child, Clay, coming out to her as nonbinary. In an interview with Variety, O’Donnell opened up about this personal moment, shedding light on her child’s journey of self-discovery.

During the conversation, O’Donnell described the moment when Clay, who is 12 years old, expressed their gender identity to her. She recalled that hearing her child say, “‘Mommy, I’m nonbinary. I’m not a boy and I’m not a girl.'” was “the most interesting thing.” The actress wholeheartedly embraced Clay’s revelation, stating, “‘Okay, fantastic. My pronouns are they/them, and I’d like them respected.’ I will do my very best, right? Who are they, Harvey Milk reincarnated?”

O’Donnell shared a poignant exchange with her child, where Clay also inquired about her own gender identity. The actress reflected on her own experiences as a lesbian in the 1970s, highlighting the challenges and hardships she faced during that time. She recounted how the societal attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community were vastly different back then and how she navigated her own identity in a less accepting world.

The proud mother further revealed that her children, including Clay, were amazed to learn about the struggles she encountered as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the past. O’Donnell expressed the importance of educating her children about the historical context of LGBTQ+ rights and the progress that has been made over the years. She emphasized the significance of having open conversations about identity and acceptance within the family.

Rosie O’Donnell is a mother to five children, with Clay being the youngest at 12 years old. She has previously shared her parenting journey and the joy of raising her children. O’Donnell’s openness and support towards Clay’s gender identity showcase her commitment to creating a loving and accepting environment for her family.

In addition to addressing Clay’s coming out as nonbinary, O’Donnell recently revealed that she and her 12-year-old child have relocated to Ireland. The actress shared their adjustment to the move in a heartfelt TikTok video, expressing her admiration for Clay’s resilience during this transition. O’Donnell’s decision to move reflects her prioritization of her family’s well-being and the need for a safe and nurturing environment.

As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, Rosie O’Donnell’s story of acceptance and support for her nonbinary child resonates with many. Her willingness to share her personal experiences and journey towards understanding and embracing diverse identities serves as an inspiration for families navigating similar paths. O’Donnell’s message of love and acceptance towards her child Clay exemplifies the power of unconditional support and parental guidance in nurturing a child’s authentic self.