Ex-‘RHONY’ star Cindy Barshop opens up about transgender son

Former “Real Housewives of New York” star Cindy Barshop was compelled to speak out on behalf of her 9-year-old transgender son, Jesse, following “Extra” host Mario Lopez‘s controversial comments about the subject.

“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, 54, told People. “When a child feels comfortable and open, identity issues are able to be discussed in the family environment. I believe living in creating an open and positive home so they are able to express themselves.”

In an interview on “The Candace Owens Show” earlier this summer, Lopez, 45, criticized parents who support their young children who identify as transgender.

He later apologized for his remarks, saying in part, “The comments I made were ignorant and insensitive, and I now have a deeper understanding of how hurtful they were.”

Barshop said Jesse, who has a twin sister named Zoe, told her of Lopez’s comments, “Why don’t you tell him that we learn about this in fifth grade and he needs to go back to fifth grade.”

“It shows how evolved our children are and hopefully the adults will catch up,” Barshop added.

Barshop’s fiancé, Jay Cardiello, also showed support in an Instagram post, saying that raising any child can be “unpredictable,” and, “This is my family….whether we are boy, girl or trans, it doesn’t matter. We are love.”