Dwyane Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, recently took their daughter Zaya on a college visit. The 42-year-old former NBA player shared photos and videos of the trip on Instagram, showing the family exploring different campuses. Wade has three other children from previous relationships, including a daughter with Union named Kaavia James. Wade has been a strong supporter of Zaya since she came out as transgender, emphasizing the importance of allowing her to be her true self and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February 2020, Wade opened up about his pride in being a parent of a child in the LGBTQ+ community. He and Union have taken their roles as parents seriously and have encouraged Zaya to be a leader and voice for her community. The couple has been vocal about the importance of acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, both within their family and in society as a whole. Wade has also faced backlash from his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches, who filed a petition to reject Zaya’s legal name and gender change.
In response to Funches’ petition, Wade took to Instagram to defend himself and express his disappointment in her actions. He accused Funches of selfishly centering herself and her needs, rather than considering the well-being of their children. Wade emphasized the importance of co-parenting and creating a stable and supportive environment for their children, despite the challenges they may face. Ultimately, a judge approved Zaya’s request to legally change her name and gender, allowing her to continue her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Wade’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance has been a central aspect of his parenting journey with Zaya. He and Union have been committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all of their children, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Their public support for Zaya has helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender individuals and the importance of family acceptance. Wade’s willingness to speak out about his experiences as a parent of a transgender child has sparked important conversations and fostered greater understanding and compassion within their community.
As Zaya embarks on her college journey, Wade and Union are standing by her side as proud and supportive parents. Their commitment to their children’s emotional well-being and personal growth is evident in the way they have navigated the complexities of co-parenting and family dynamics. By advocating for acceptance and understanding, Wade and Union are setting an example for other parents and families who may be facing similar challenges. Their unconditional love and support for Zaya exemplify the power of parental acceptance and the transformative impact it can have on a child’s life.
