Zaya Wade isn’t just thriving on her own—she’s doing it with her family standing strong behind her. When the 17-year-old landed her first-ever magazine cover with DAZED, she didn’t hold back on showing love to the ones who’ve been her rock. “They are such a giant support system and have always been there for me,” she said, speaking about dad Dwyane Wade and stepmom Gabrielle Union. “No matter what happens, I feel strongest when I’m with them.” This bond? It’s not just supportive—it’s empowering.

But even deeper than that, it’s Gabrielle Union who seems to leave the biggest mark on Zaya’s heart. From day one, Gab’s been dropping wisdom that goes way beyond the surface. “It’s about being you and expressing yourself the way you want to,” Zaya shared. She added that Union’s always reminding her that “beauty standards are arbitrary and that they don’t mean anything… being myself is the best technique out there.” And Zaya’s carrying those lessons with pride.

Now here’s the twist—while Zaya’s been showering love on Gab, Union herself took a moment to reflect on her own inspiration: her 78-year-old mother, Theresa Marie Glass Union. On her mom’s birthday, Gab hit Instagram with a beautiful tribute and a few sweet throwback snaps to go with it.

“Happy 78th Birthday to the woman who made magic out of the mundane, who turned struggle into strength, and who never let us forget where we come from,” she wrote.

And to top it all, Union added, “Theresa Marie Glass Union—my forever inspiration. You taught me how to lead with love, stand tall in truth, and show up for family, no matter what. Your quiet sacrifices, your loud laughter, your deep love of stories—they’re all pieces of me now.” Then she concluded, saying, “Love you, Mom. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Our Black 🦋!”

No wonder she shows up for Zaya the way she does—she’s just passing it forward. Union’s nurturing of Zaya is a direct extension of the love and wisdom she received from her own mother, highlighting the enduring power of positive familial influence.

Gabrielle Union is always in Zaya’s corner

Dwyane Wade found his own way to bond with Zaya—by binge-watching Heartstopper together. But when it came to emotional support and showing up through every chapter of Zaya’s journey, it was Gabrielle Union who stood in front and center. She’s not just been present—she’s been consistent, offering comfort, strength, and love when it was needed the most.

Zaya recently opened up to Who What Wear about her journey with identity and style. She talked about those early moments when she came out as transgender and the confusion that followed. Figuring out what made her feel comfortable and beautiful wasn’t easy. She said that back then, she didn’t really have it all figured out—but Union became a guiding light through it all.

In fact, Zaya didn’t hold back her gratitude. “My stepmom has just instilled such a confidence in my femininity,” she shared. “I tried to compensate in every single way, and it was so draining. She was so adamant about telling me that I don’t have to look or act a certain way—I can just be me. And, oh my god, I thank her every day for it.”

Beyond their personal bubble, both Wade and Union continue to use their platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Zaya does too. She was recently honored with an Out100 award, and guess who stood beside her at the event? Yep—Gabrielle Union, once again proving she’s always got Zaya’s back.

The family’s public advocacy amplifies their message of love and acceptance, reaching a wider audience and fostering greater understanding and inclusivity. By standing alongside Zaya at events like the Out100 awards, they amplify her voice and visibility within the community.