News

Dwyane Wade Shows Support For Daughter Zaya Wade’s Gender Identity

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 3: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Former Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade recently announced that he is supporting his 12-year-old daughter Zaya who is choosing to be identified as “she” after originally being born as Zion. He spoke with Ellen Degeneres on The Ellen Show on Tuesday opening up about his daughter’s decision.

“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,'” Wade said. Zaya’s mother is Wade’s ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches.
He continued, “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.”
Wade said he and his wife will continue to learn more about the LGBTQ community and have also been in contact with the cast of Pose which is an FX series about LGBTQ  dancers in the African American and Latin American community in New York City.
During a discussion with former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes on the All The Smoke podcast, Wade said, “As we say in the hood, it’s ignant. I grew up with the same perspective as a lot of these people out here that’s a little igonant. I had to look myself in the mirror and say, ‘What if your son comes home and tells you he’s gay? What are you going to do? How are you going to be? How are you going to act? It ain’t about him. He knows who he is. It’s about you. Who are you?'”
He later added that he “watched my son — from day one — become into who she now eventually has come into.”
Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union posted a video on Twitter voicing her support for Zaya.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Like
Like Love Haha Wow Sad Angry
Frank DeLorenzo

Leave a Comment
Share
Published by
Frank DeLorenzo
Tags: Dwyane WadeGabrielle UnionZaya Wade
6 years ago

Recent Posts

50 Most-Infamous Athlete Mugshots: MLB Star Manny Ramirez Charged For Slapping His Wife In ’11

On September 12, 2011, former MLB superstar Manny Ramirez was arrested and charged with misdemeanor…

18 hours ago

Jordan Walsh Stays Hot In Latest Celtics Win

Boston Celtics small forward Jordan Walsh struggled to make an impact in the opening weeks…

18 hours ago

James Harden & Kawhi Leonard Left Stunned As Clippers Part Ways With Chris Paul

Both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard were left shocked after hearing the Los Angeles Clippers…

18 hours ago

50 Most-Infamous Athlete Mugshots: Raiders’ QB JaMarcus Russell Arrested For Possession Of Codeine Syrup In ’10

On July 5, 2010, former NFL quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested and charged with illegal…

3 days ago

Lane Kiffin’s Story About His Departure Contradicted By Ole Miss AD & Players

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and several players disputed former head coach Lane Kiffin's…

3 days ago

Eagles’ Jalen Carter To Miss Monday Clash With Chargers After Shoulder Procedure

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will miss the team's Monday night clash against the…

3 days ago