Dwayne Wade 'Re-Introduces' His Daughter Zaya After Her First Red Carpet
By TheBlast Staff on March 8, 2020 at 5:15 PM EDT
Gettyimages | Andrew Toth
Dwayne Wade has been a positive, progressive voice lately, since his daughter Zaya came out as trans. He's been a fierce advocate for her ever since, and [he posted joyous pictures of with Zaya and his wife] and Zaya's stepmom, Gabrielle Union over the weekend. The family attended The Truth Awards, which were "created to recognize and highlight the accomplishments of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies."
Zaya brought the shine to her first red carpet event since coming out in customer Rich Fresh, and the family was all smiles.
"Everyone allow her to re-introduce herself her name is Zaya Wade! Last night was Zaya's first red carpet and we couldn't have been prouder of how she handled the questions that were asked of her. She has emerged as one of the young faces and voices for the LGBTQ+ community."
Since Zaya came out earlier this year, Wade and Union have expressed their support in beautiful public and private ways. Wade stopped by The Ellen Show to encourage other parents to listen to their kids and to support them as they grow.
"Me and my wife, my wife Gabrielle Union...we are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community and we're proud allies as well. We take our roles and responsibility as parents very seriously.
Zion, born as a boy, came home and said, 'Hey, so I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I am ready to live my truth. I want to be referenced as 'she' and 'her.' I would love for you guys to call me Zaya.'"
Instead of rejecting Zaya's request, Wade and Union have done all they can to educate themselves on these issues and to learn as much as they can about the LGBTQ+ community.
"When our child comes home with a question, when our child comes home with an issue, when our child comes home with anything, it's our job as parents to listen to that, to give them the best information that we can, the best feedback that we can. And that doesn't change because sexuality is now involved in it.
Now it's our job to one, go out and get information, to reach out to every relationship that we have. We're just trying to figure out as much information as we can to make sure that we give our child the best opportunity to be her best self."
More parents should learn from their example!
