The former NBA star's eldest son tells his sibling that no matter what people say about her, she will always be his 'best friend' and he will make sure she's 'happy on this earth.'
- Feb 13, 2020
AceShowbiz - Dwyane Wade's eldest son Zaire has shown his unconditional love and support to his sibling Zaya, after she came out as transgender. The 18-year-old posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram page to let everyone know that nothing has changed between him and Zaya, regardless of what people say or think about her.
"Man, I remember bugging my mom as a kid telling her I wanted a brother so bad," Zaire wrote in the caption, as he shared a couple of throwback photos of him with Zaya (then Zion) when they were very little. "I was the only child looking for company and someone to look after and take care of. I have been blessed to have my best friend, Zaya with me for 12 years."
He continued, "We did everything together...we fought, we played, we laughed and we cried. But the one thing we never did was leave each other behind... I've told you that I would lay my life down to make sure you are ten toes down and happy on this earth. I don't care what they think Z, you are my best friend and I love you kid, and if it means anything, just know there's no love lost on this side."
Dwyane confirmed in the February 11 episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that he and his wife Gabrielle Union "are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community." He shared how Zaya explained to him and Gabrielle about wanting to be addressed as she and her. "I want to talk to you guys, I think going forward I'm ready to live my truth. I want to be referenced as she and her. I would love for you guys to call me Zaya," he recalled his daughter's conversation with them.
Following the announcement, people have shown their support to Zaya. Wendy Williams got emotional as she applauded the 12-year-old. "I want to shout out to young Zaya Wade," she said on her morning talk show on February 12. "The quicker you figure out who you are or who you want to be in life, the easier life gets as you get older, that's what I've discovered. At 12-years-old a lot of us didn't know who we were and we figure it out until we get to high school or college, or we're in our 30's," she said with teary eyes.
She went on praising Dwyane and Gabrielle for being supportive parents, "With all the bullying with kids and other kinds of stuff, good for her for figuring out that lane of who she wants to be. The rest of life is a whole other story, but at least she’s got that, and, a supportive [step] mother and father!"
For those who may be against this situation, Wendy also had a message, "For those of you who don't understand it or don't like it - don't say anything. This is a child who has figured out more about her life than we had when we were 12!"
"Pose" star Mj Rodriguez also spoke highly of Dwyane at the 2020 MAKERS Conference of his powerful impact in the community, "It's great that a young father who is African American is shedding light on their child because so many African American individuals get this stigma that there is no love in the community, that there is no acceptance in the community. And in reality, there is. It's just that it's not seen on the broad scale, and it's unfortunate."
Another sang praise to the former professional basketball player, "Thank YOU and @DwyaneWade for being such great examples as parents, especially as parents of an LGBTQ kid. Those of us who grew up feeling like we had to hide who we are, for whatever reason, appreciate your love and vocal support being part of the changing tides."
In return, Gabrielle has expressed her gratitude to those people who have been supporting her stepdaughter Zaya. "Huge huge huge THANK YOU to everyone whose dms I slid into, friends, & family who provided information, resources, love & encouragement," she tweeted on Wednesday. "We are humble LGBTQ+ allies with ALOT to learn & grateful for all the support. We encourage yall to check us as needed... Again, thank you!"
