Khary Payton proudly introduces transgender son Karter: 'This is his journey, and I am here for it'

Khary Payton is one proud father. The Walking Dead star made an extra special announcement earlier this week, introducing the world to his transgender son Karter for the very first time. The 48-year-old actor took to social media on Monday to pass on a message from Karter and gush over his older child's admirable self-assurance. Sharing a photo of the youngster wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and a wrist guard, Payton 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, he added. Payton revealed that he'd warned Karter that "there would be so many supporters but also a lot of jerks who would be harsh." Undeterred by the inevitable online hate that would follow, the star said, his son replied: "Yeah, I know about trolls, daddy. I can handle trolls." The father-of-two went on to reaffirm his support for the 11-year-old, writing: 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, Payton concluded. Karter's mom Stacy also raved about how proud she is of him for embracing his true self in a wholesome Instagram post that reads: I am overjoyed to introduce you to my son, Karter. When he was born we thought he was a girl. We were mistaken.

He is a boy. A smart, funny, brave, loving, magnificent boy. Karter is so confident in who he is and was thrilled for me to let everyone know that he’s finally living as his true self. As a boy. As my son. As Karter. I am so incredibly proud of him and feel blessed every single day to be his mama, Stacy concluded. While Payton was understandably worried about transphobic online trolls spewing hate, the response to his post was overwhelmingly positive with the likes of Mark Hamill expressing support for Karter.

Congrats Karter!! From one trans person to another, you've totally got this, Karter is an amazing name, and you are lucky to have such a supportive dad! Happy pride, wrote Twitter user Caleb. Hey Karter! You are such an awesome and brave kid to want your dad to share this with us. Thank you for letting him share this. The road ahead won't always be easy, but you're strong and have so much support so don't ever allow the trolls to get you down, tweeted Micaelin. Fellow parents of LGBTQIA+ youth also celebrated Karter by proudly introducing their trans and non-binary kids.

As a trans man this brings me immeasurable joy to see: a young trans boy being comfortable and having such a supportive father. Growing up trans was a struggle for me and I hope that having such a great support system makes it a better journey for Karter. Also, sick name man, wrote Twitter user Graham. Another user named Aaron Radney commended Payton for being a supportive parent, tweeting: It's wonderful to see a parent support their kid so strongly that the kid feels it and wants their name to reflect their parent. Thank you for letting us meet Karter. Tell him he's awesome.