Retired #NBA all star #DwyaneWade recently appeared on the #EllenDegrneres show to speak on the importance of being a supportive parent throughout his daughter ‘s Zaya transitioning process!
Within the now viral footage, Wade outlines the responsibility him and his wife #GabrielleUnionWade uphold by educating themselves and being receptive of their children’s needs.
Wade notes that their 12 year old who identifies as a transgender came home one day and asked to have a discussion with them. Revealing that she wanted to be referred to by specific pronouns such as she/her and officially changing her name to Zaya.
“When our child comes home with a question, when our child comes home with an issue, when our child comes home with anything, it’s our job as parents to listen to that, to give them the best information we can, the best feedback we can,” Wade states to DeGeneres. “And that doesn’t change because sexuality is now involved.”
Huge huge huge THANK YOU to everyone whose dms I slid into, friends, & family who provided information, resources, love & encouragement. We are humble LGBTQ+ allies with ALOT to learn & grateful for all the support. We encourage yall to check us as needed 🤗 Again, thank you!
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 11, 2020
He goes on to state that himself alongside his wife have utilized multiple resources to attain knowledge upon the LGQBT+ community. Wade admits that he is proud of his daughter for living in her own truth at such a young age.
Meet Zaya. She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people. pic.twitter.com/G2lLVdD2VT
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 11, 2020
Way to go Zaya!