Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean Supports Daughter, 9, “A Million Percent” in Going From Ava to Elliott

Many children go through certain periods of gender exploration in the way they dress and the toys they play with, as well as role-playing. Psychologists say it’s likely not a phase if they continue to do so as they get older. Specialists are unanimous in the opinion that parents should be open about this subject, and if a kid has questions about their gender identity, it’s important to sit down and talk to them. The famous singer, AJ McLean, is treating his daughter’s choices in a very special fatherly way, and we’d love for you to find out how he feels about his daughter’s gender identity journey.

AJ McLean is a deeply devoted father.

Singer AJ McLean is as devoted to parenting as he used to be to his music career. The Backstreet Boys member is now a dad of 2 charming daughters with his wife, Rochelle Karidis. 9 years after marrying the love of his life, AJ McLean stays very loyal to his family.

His wife, Rochelle, has been a huge inspiration to the singer. Through all these years, she has encouraged him to become the best version of himself and the best dad to his children. Although McLean said right after their wedding that they would wait at least 3 years to have children, his family expanded barely a year later with the arrival of their first daughter, Ava.

McLean’s daughters both perceive their dad as a model to follow.

AJ McLean’s daughters, Lyric and Ava, ages 5 and 9, respectively, are following in their dad’s footsteps, exploring the entertainment industry. Ava got started with dance classes and competitive dance, and her sister, Lyric, is not far off, showing deep interest in her sister’s lessons.

McLean is a very attentive dad who really loves spending time with his daughters. He often posts photos on his Instagram where he is engaged in some really “girly” stuff, like doing fancy manicures together with his kids. While accepting all their activities and trying to play together with them, he is devoted to supporting his daughters’ tastes, preferences, and opinions, and he proved this in a recent event that happened in his family.

His reaction to his daughter’s name change was priceless.

McLean and his wife, Rochelle, announced the change in a joint post on Instagram. The couple wrote: “After 2 and half years of homeschool, these 2 beauties are back to school! Lyric is starting kindergarten and Elliott (Ava) is in fourth grade! I can’t believe it! I’m so proud of these girls. As much as I am going to miss them, I’m excited to watch them spread their wings and fly!”

Ava’s parents appeared to be fully supportive of their daughter, but emphasize that the name change is not because she is transgender, but rather because it is her “personal choice” to go by Elliott.

McLean said in an interview, “When my daughter asked to change her name to Elliott, initially, I didn’t know if it was a transgender thing, which it’s not, but it is a personal choice. And it’s her body, it’s her name, it’s her everything. And she’s still Ava. She’ll always be Ava to me.” He added, “Whatever reasoning it is, that’s hers, and I’m going to support it a million percent, my wife will too.”

Though the reason behind Ava’s name change is now far from the transgender topic, her dad will forever support her in every decision she’ll be making further. AJ McLean explains that his 9-year-old girl just hadn’t been happy going by Ava because it is “not that unique and not that original,” and she had met many girls with the same name at her school and dance class.

“Whatever journey both my girls have, I will be in their corner a million percent, my wife will be in their corner and support them, whatever their path is and whatever their journey is. That’s just the family that we are,” he said.

What would your reaction be to your kid’s decision to change their name? Do you support AJ McLean’s position on this topic?