Ex ‘RHONY’ Star Cindy Barshop Defends Trans Son After Mario Lopez Comments
Aug. 2 2019, Updated 8:50 p.m. ET
Former Real Housewives of New York City star Cindy Barshop is standing up for her son after Mario Lopez’s controversial trans comments.
The star, who is a mother to daughter Zoe, and transgender son, Jesse, both 9, told PEOPLE that Lopez’s remark about not believing your young kids when they tell you they’re trans made her realize that parents need to educate themselves on these subjects before mentoring their children.
“When a child feels comfortable and open, identity issues are able to be discussed in the family environment,” Barshop, 54, said. “I believe living in creating an open and positive home so they are able to express themselves.”
RadarOnline.com readers know Lopez, 45, apologized for his “ignorant and insensitive” comments after getting backlash on social media.
“I’m hoping that the more awareness that we bring that people understand that trans is an identity and has absolutely nothing to do with sexuality,” Barshop said.
The reality star even revealed what her son said when she told him about Lopez’s remarks.
“He said, ‘Why don’t you tell him that we learn about this in 5th grade and he needs to go back to 5th grade.’ It shows how evolved our children are and hopefully the adults will catch up,” she said.