Dwyane Wade appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show to promote ESPN's documentary based on the basketball player: D Wade: Life Unexpected. But things took a more heartwarming turn as Wade opened up about his 12-year-old child, Zaya. "We take our roles and responsibilities as parents very seriously," Wade told DeGeneres. "So, 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 that we can, the best feedback that we can, and that doesn't change now that sexuality [and gender] is involved."
Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union have been very outspoken about their support for Zaya. Following a December interview in which Wade referred to his child with she/her pronouns, he revealed that she later sat down with him and Union, asking to be called Zaya as she journeys into her new identity. In that initial interview, Wade vocalized his family's support of Zaya, saying, "nothing changes with my love."
Wade described his reaction to DeGeneres. "I looked at her and said 'You are a leader,'" he said. "'It's our opportunity to allow you to have a voice.' Right now, it's through us because she's 12 years old, but eventually it will be through her."
As Wade and Union continue to empower Zaya, they are seeking advice and information from family and friends as to how they can most effectively help their child become her best self. Additionally, Wade and Union also actively work with GLSEN to fight discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, thus creating safer spaces for queer and trans kids everywhere. We love to see it. And so does the internet:
Photo via YouTube