What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “America”? Freedom. For decades, the “American Dream”, “freedom”, and “capitalism” have been the country’s biggest selling points. But in today’s Gen Z era, where everyone is chasing their version of success, Zaya Wade, daughter of Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, takes a moment to step back. Instead of getting lost in the chaos of modern life, she sits down for a heart-to-heart with her stepmom, Gabrielle Union. And trust me, you’ll want to hear what they had to say.

Despite her young age, she is figuring things out, a reflection of her striking sense of self-awareness. She put it best when she said, “It’s hard to be Gen Z. It’s also really easy to be Gen Z at the same time.” Confusing? Maybe to some. But not to her. The young trans understands the expectations placed on her generation while also recognizing that she’s still young, with plenty of time to grow. And like any teenager, she’s dealing with some classic teen struggles. One of them is “dating”. Luckily, for relationship talk and all the juicy gossip, she’s got the perfect person to turn to, her stepmom, Gabrielle Union.

In a recent interview with Seventeen, the teenager faced a question: does she have time for dating? Her response was surprisingly mature! She said, “‘Dating’ is an aggressive term though. In Gen Z, situationships are king. In no way are we opposed to a relationship, but sometimes there’s comfort in not being so locked in.” And what about her parents? Are they cool with it? “They’re really cool about it. Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip. She gets excited for me when I’m like, “Oh, I like this person.”” Having a strong support system makes all the difference when navigating teenage life.

But wait, that’s not the case with the father. Zaya admits that her father can be a little intimidating when it comes to her dating life. She revealed, “Although, my dad… he tries to scare any person I have interest in. He’s kind of intimidating.” Typical dad, right? Dwyane is a protective father who deeply cares for his daughter and has his line, even in his friend-like role in Zaya’s life. Gab gives her the freedom to follow her heart when it comes to relationships, making sure she has someone to confide in.

Daughter Zaya Wade an inspiration for queers

At just 17, Zaya Wade has already left a lasting impact on herself. She’s not just the daughter of Dwyane Wade. She’s a trailblazer, model, and influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community. When she came out as trans in 2020, she didn’t just accept her truth, but inspired countless others to do the same. Alongside her father and stepmom Gabrielle Union, she has become a fearless advocate for queer rights showing the world that self-acceptance is a journey worth taking, no matter the criticism.

Dwyane Wade has never shied away from showing his love and admiration for his daughter. He once said, “She’s the strong one in this family. She’s a hero.” And indeed, she is, not just for him, but for an entire community that sees her as a symbol of courage.

For Wade, “It’s our family’s job to make sure that we listen to her,”. This simple statement shows what true support looks like. Wade created a space where Zaya can express herself, grow, and thrive without fear or judgment. At just 17, Zaya Wade is redefining what it means to be a role model. She’s proof that authenticity isn’t just about self-expression, it’s about inspiring others to embrace their truth, no matter what.