Last night on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” Dwyane Wade shared his experience when his child opened up to him about being transgender.
The retired NBA star talked about how his daughter came home from school one day and told the family: “Hey, so I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I’m ready to live my truth,” she said. “And I want to be referenced as she and her. I would love for you guys to call me Zaya.”
Dwyane even shared how he and his wife made it a point to educate themselves about it, saying that it was their responsibility to do so.
He then told Zaya that she was their leader and that it was their “opportunity to give her a voice.”
Dwyane Wade’s wife and Zaya’s stepmom, Gabrielle Union, even shared a video that showed just how strong the child’s voice is.
Meet Zaya. She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people. pic.twitter.com/G2lLVdD2VT
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 11, 2020
We can all see how proud DWade is of Zaya (formerly Zion). He even shared on the “All The Smoke” podcast: “Nothing changes with my love, nothing changes with my responsibilities. Only thing I have to do now is get smarter and educate myself more.”
We’re hoping more parents take notes from Wade and let children feel safe and supported in figuring out who they really are—which includes making an effort to educate themselves.
Photo courtesy of Dwyane Wade’s Instagram account
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