Dwyane Wade Discloses Fears of Raising Black Trans Daughter Zaya in USA: “Most Attacked Communities in the World”

The rising fashion superstar recently celebrated her 17th birthday but did something remarkable before. With support from her dad Dwyane Wade and the family, Zaya Wade has initiated a digital platform to provide LGBTQ+ people with a safe space to express themselves. On Translatable, young people can submit content – anything from poetry to photography or even general thoughts – as an outlet. Zaya Wade herself and ‘D-Wade’ will contribute regular content to the site.

The same day that Translatable went live, Them got to catch up with The Miami Heat legend. Wade was in Miami receiving the Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation for his many years of advocacy work. Wade spoke with Michael Cuby about why he and his daughter have started the trans resource hub and the responsibility he feels to speak out for trans rights.

“People ask me, ‘Are you fearful? Are you afraid?’ I say, ‘Yes, I am. Not only is my child in one of the most attacked communities in the world, the trans community and the LGBTQ+ community, but also, my child is Black in America.’ That right there alone is enough for a parent.”

Wade recently took to Instagram to support her daughter from all the hate. “I think people feel that because I have a trans daughter that I had this traumatic experience. Zaya has been Zaya since day one. Nothing has changed in a sense of how Zaya shows up.” The new entrepreneurial journey of Zaya did not get in the way of family celebrations. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade took to Instagram to enjoy the big day.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle are strong pillars of strength

Wade has come to be known for being a vocal trans advocate since Zaya came out in 2020. The family even moved from Florida to California due to the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation of the state.

The birthday carousel post by Union-Wade had photos of Dwyane Wade and Zaya.“17 🖤 @zayawade,” Gabrielle wrote in the caption to the post. Shaquille O’Neal’s eldest daughter wished to Zaya on an IG post shared by Union. “Happy Birthday Zaya 🥰🤎🫶🏾,” read Taahirah O’Neal’s comment. La La Anthony then took to the comment section of the post and extended a series of heart and cake emojis — “❤❤️❤️❤️🎂🎂🎂.”

Dwyane Wade too on his Instagram uploaded a birthday post, captioned, “Seventeen 🎉 @zayawade”. With this 17th birthday, the Wade-Union family has empowered Zaya to start her new journey to use the platform to reach more people.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.