On February 25, 2023, Pasadena went through a plethora of emotions as the 2023 NAACP Image Awards had several highlights. However, one thing stood out from the event. Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, gave a moving speech primarily addressing Wade’s transgender daughter, Zaya. The couple divulged on how much they loved their daughter after receiving the prestigious President’s Award. Naturally, their words garnered a lot of appreciation from netizens, and stars like Halle Berry and Candace Parker applauded the couple.

Wade and Union delivered a powerful and passionate speech about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Wade’s daughter, Zaya came out as a transgender girl in 2020 and has received unconditional support and love from her family.

Candace Parker, Halle Berry, and others reflected on the duo’s passionate speech

Shortly after the duo expressed their feelings on stage, many notable stars and netizens reacted to their speech on social media. They were full of praise after coming across the speech. WNBA star Candace Parker said, “Constantly in awe of and inspired by y’all 2 @dwyanewade @gabunion.” ‘Catwoman‘?star, Halle Berry said, “Pure excellence! Congratulations @gabunion”

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Here are a few more comments from Internet users:

“This speech made me cry, man…. Painfully beautiful!!! You both make this village so proud.”

“Thank you @gabunion and @dwyane wade for ALWAYS using your platform and your voice to spread love. I have no words.”

“Thank you for your tireless advocacy to give a voice to those who need it the most! Well deserved, love you guys.”

“This will be an iconic moment and statement for the history books!! You guys are amazing parents and activist.”

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s speech

On Saturday, Wade started his speech by dedicating the aforementioned award to Zaya. Moreover, he thanked his daughter for making him “a better person.” The 13x NBA All-Star said, “I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter, Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I?ve wanted to do was get it right. I?ve sat back and watched how gracefully you?ve taken on the public scrutiny. And even though it?s not easy, I watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself.”

The now 41-year-old continued, “I admire how you?ve handled the ignorance in our world … that you face every day….Thank you for showing me that there?s more than just one way to communicate effectively…Zaya, you?ve made me a better human just simply by being who you were born to be: our baby girl, Zaya Wade. So baby, thank you for showing the world what courage looks like. I?m proud that I was chosen to stand in place as your father.”

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Apart from addressing Zaya, the ‘Bring It On’ star and the Heat legend spoke passionately about the struggles faced by the Black trans and LGBTQIA+ community.

The couple continues to move boundaries and inspire future generations through their words and actions. What are your thoughts on Wade’s speech? Let us know in the comments.