From
Out magazine:
Over the last few months, we've all been re-introduced to the teenaged child of Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade. Through a series of interviews, Dwyane revealed that the 12-year-old had revealed to the family her true gender identity, and would be referred to as Zaya moving forward. And now, the incredibly insightful pre-teen is storming the red carpets.
"Everyone allow her to re-introduce herself her name is Zaya Wade!" Dwyane wrote to Instagram on Sunday. "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."
On Saturday, Zaya, Gabrielle, and Dwyane headed to the Better Brothers of Los Angeles Truth Awards. That event, according to Dwyane, was "created to recognize and highlight the accomplishments of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies." The family was on hand in order to honor stylist Jason Bolden and interior designer Adair Curtis, husbands and stars of Netflix's Styling Hollywood, who were receiving the event's Business Leadership Award.
. . . "It was important for Zaya to be a part of such a beautiful night and reminding her of all the love and support she has," Gabrielle wrote in an Instagram caption about the evening. "We were moved to tears so many times throughout the night. So much gratitude."
When it comes to the Dwyane Wade and his family, everyone has something to say. It is no doubt difficult for children of celebrities (i.e. singers, movie stars, sports stars) to live their lives in the public eye. I'm sure that it becomes more difficult when that child comes out as LGBTQ. But whether parents are celebrities or not, one thing is universal. Understanding and supportive families are always the first line of defense against harm to LGBTQ children.
