Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade, who was born male, received approval from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to officially her name and gender identity months after her dad files a petition on that matter.
- Feb 26, 2023
AceShowbiz - Dwyane Wade's daughter has finalized her name and gender change. Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade, who was born male, received approval from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to officially her name and gender identity.
"The judge also granted an official stamp of approval for the 15-year-old's legal transition that would allow her sex markers on documents to match her gender identity," according to PEOPLE. The ruling arrived three months after her father filed a petition regarding the matter.
Zaya has received support from her dad Dwyane. However, her mom Siohvaughn Funches disapproved of her attempt to change her name and gender. Siohvaughn even filed an objection to his petition for recognition of Zaya's gender and issuance of a new birth certificate.
In a petition obtained by The Blast, she argued, "There are multiple factors to be considered by the Court in determining the requests to change the minor child's name and gender." She added, "The minor child is fifteen and one-half years old."
"This matter has been highly reported in the media and there will likely be media pressure on the minor child," she continued. "I have concerns that (Dwyane) may be pressuring our child to move forward with the name and gender change in order to capitalize on the financial opportunities that he has received from companies."
Firing back, the husband of Gabrielle Union said in an Instagram post, "I'm very disappointed that she continuously finds ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children." He further stated, "I've given her the opportunity to reach out to Zaya's teachers, doctors and therapist over the years and even meet her friends, so she could get her own understanding of our child's needs for her LIFE! She won't do it!"
"Siohvaughn has decided to pretty much be an absent parent to Zaya ALL ON HER OWN. As men, we get a bad rep for not showing up and being absentee fathers, well that's not the case here because I'm ten toes down and I'm still going thru her BS!" the former professional basketball player continued fuming. "I will not sit on my hands this time and allow her to make mockery of my dedication to my family."
