Walking Dead actor Khary Payton shares post about 11-year-old transgender son Karter: 'This is his journey'

Actor says Karter has always identified as a boy

Khary Payton introduces transgender son (Getty)

Walking Dead actor Khary Payton has introduced his 11-year-old transgender son Karter to his fans and followers on social media.

On Monday, the same day that the Supreme Court passed a landmark ruling that offers workplace protections to LGBT Americans, the actor shared a photo of his son smiling and giving a thumbs up.

“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," Payton wrote alongside the photo on Twitter. "You see, he was born female but has always identified as a boy.”

In a follow-up post, Payton, who plays King Ezekial on the AMC show, explained that Karter thought it would be “cool” to announce his identity on social media.

“He thought it would be cool if I announced it on social media. I told him that there would be so many supporters but also a lot of jerks who would be harsh. He said: “Yeah, I know about trolls, daddy. I can handle trolls,” Payton said.

The father-of-two continued the emotional post expressing his support and “unquenchable love” for Karter.

“Man, there is nothing more beautiful than watching your child feel the joy of exploring what it means to be true to themselves,” the 48-year-old wrote. “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.”

The post, which has since been liked more than 318,000 times, has been met with an outpouring of support for Karter.

“Hi Karter, welcome to a very big family,” one person tweeted.

Another wrote: “Proud of you Karter!”

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill was among the hundreds of people to applaud Karter for embracing his identity, writing a thumbs up emoji and “right back at Karter!”

Payton’s wife, Stacy Reed Payton, also shared a photo of the couple’s eldest child on Instagram, where she said she was “overjoyed” to introduce Karter.

“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,” she wrote. “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.”