Zaya Wade with her mother, Gabrielle Union
Former NBA Superstar Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union proudly introduced Wade's daughter Zaya to the whole world on Tuesday, February 11.
Formerly known as Zion Wade, the 12-year old changed her name to Zaya Wade as she came out as transgender. Based on Wade's interview with Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show, the former Miami Heat star admitted that his kid, who was originally born a boy came home one day wanting to live her truth and wanted to be referred to with pronouns "she or her", and also told them than she wanted to be called Zaya.
On the same day of Wade's interview, his wife Gabby posted a clip on her Instagram account with Zaya and Dwayne talking about being true to oneself. In the post, Gabby described Zaya as compassionate, loving, and smart. She also expressed her and her family's pride regarding Zaya's decision.
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In the video, we can see Zaya saying that people just need to be true to themselves, and that there's no point in existing if you keep trying to be someone you are not. She also said that trying to be who you are not is not even living and that she still cannot fathom that concept. She then continues by saying that you don't need to care what the stereotypical way of being yourself is, just be true.
In the video, Dwayne is also seen asking Zaya, if being true is still okay even if it gives others excuses to be mean and hurt you. To which Zaya replies, that being yourself can be difficult, but in the end you can push through and be the best that you can.
During his interview on Ellen, Dwayne told the host that Gabby and he are allies of the LGBTQ+ community and are proud to be parents of a child who is one of them, which is Dwayne's daughter Zaya.
Furthermore, Dwayne said that he and his wife take their responsibility as parents seriously. Thus when one of their children comes home with questions, issues or anything, he believes that it is the parents' job to listen and give them feedback and information in the best way possible, which should not change even if it concerns the child's sexuality.
On the other hand, Zaya's big brother Zaire Wade also took to Instagram to express his love and support to his sister. The 18-year-old posted throwback photos of him and his sister and referred to Zaya as his best friend. He also assured his sister that he would do anything to keep her happy and will be with her no matter what other people may say or think.
View this post on InstagramMan, I remember bugging my mom as a kid telling her I wanted a brother so bad. I was the only child looking for company and someone to look after and take care of. I have been blessed to have my best friend, Zaya with me for 12 years. We did everything together...we fought, we played, we laughed and we cried. But the one thing we never did was leave each other behind... I’ve told you that I would lay my life down to make sure you are ten toes down and happy on this earth. I don’t care what they think Z, you are my best friend and I love you kid, and if it means anything, just know there’s no love lost on this side A post shared by ️ (@zaire) on Feb 12, 2020 at 5:11am PST
It can be recalled that when Dwyane's daughter Zaya first came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the 12-year-old received backlash and criticism, but she also received support from other celebrities like, Timbaland, Jessica Alba and Jordyn Woods.
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