In a world where acceptance and support are crucial, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union stand out as Proud and Supportive parents to their daughter, Zaya Wade. Despite being her stepmother, Union has embraced Zaya wholeheartedly, consistently showing her love and pride. This was evident on July 1, when Union celebrated both Zaya and Pride Month on social media.
Union’s gesture included reposting a heartfelt message that Wade had shared on Instagram for Zaya’s birthday on May 29. Accompanying the repost, Union wrote a touching message: “Beautiful and Compassionate. Future Astrobiologists. We are proud.”
Zaya Wade, who is still in high school, has already set her sights on a future in astrobiology. This revelation came in April this year, when Gabrielle Union shared with Entertainment Tonight that Zaya had chosen her major for her future academic career. Union, with her characteristic humor and honesty, admitted, “She wants to major in astrobiology, so there’s only so much help we can offer, to be honest … I was a sociology major, so I’m like, ‘Girl, you’re on your own.'”
Zaya Wade’s journey has been marked by her courage and the unwavering support of her family. She came out as transgender in 2020 at the age of 12, a pivotal moment that highlighted the importance of acceptance and support in a young person’s life. Since then, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have been steadfast advocates for Zaya, using their platforms to raise awareness and foster understanding of trans issues.
Zaya has also made her mark in the fashion world. She graced the runway for Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week last year and was the face of a gender bracelet campaign for Tiffany & Co. in early 2022. These achievements underscore her confidence and the positive influence of her supportive family.
Gabrielle Union, known for her advocacy for women’s empowerment and mental health, has imparted valuable lessons to her stepdaughter. Union often speaks out against the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media, emphasizing the emotional toll these standards can take. In a conversation with DAZED, Zaya Wade reflected on what she had learned from Union about true beauty.
“It’s about being you and expressing yourself the way you want to. She tries to teach me that beauty standards are arbitrary and that they don’t mean anything,” Zaya said. “They don’t matter anymore; what people thought was the standard is not. And just being myself is the best technique out there.”
Zaya Wade was born to Dwyane Wade and his former wife, Siohvaughn Funches. Following their divorce, Wade was awarded legal custody of Zaya. The journey was not without its challenges, including a legal battle when Wade and Union sought to legally change Zaya’s name and gender. Funches contested this, alleging that Wade was exploiting Zaya for financial gain. Despite these hurdles, the support and love from Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have remained steadfast, ensuring that Zaya feels accepted and encouraged to be her authentic self.
The stories of Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Zaya Wade are powerful testaments to the importance of acceptance and support within a family. In a society where transgender individuals often face significant adversity, the unwavering support from Zaya’s parents stands as a beacon of hope and an example for others. Their openness in sharing their journey publicly helps foster a greater understanding and acceptance of transgender issues.
Gabrielle Union’s emphasis on the arbitrary nature of beauty standards is a crucial message, particularly in an era where social media can heavily influence young minds. Her teachings to Zaya about self-expression and inner beauty are invaluable lessons that transcend the confines of traditional beauty norms.
As Zaya continues to navigate her path, the solid foundation of love and support from her family will undoubtedly serve her well. Her aspirations in astrobiology and achievements in the modeling world are testaments to her determination and the positive environment nurtured by her parents. The Wade family’s journey highlights the transformative power of unconditional love and acceptance, setting a standard for others to follow.
Comments