It's easy to forget that, in the literal year of 2019, there remain people online with enough time on their hands to come for a 12-year old-boy with a manicure. But here they are hating on ex-Miami Heat star's Dwyane Wade son Zion after his wife, labor hero Gabrielle Union, posted a Thanksgiving family photo.
A nice change of pace from the line-up of Christian girl fall 'fits that littered my Insta this past week, the Wade-Union family all looked extremely cool over the holiday. Most of all Zion, who rocked white talons, combat boots, leggings and a crop top. (Union and Wade's one-year-old Kaavia was also stepping on necks in a onesie and a bow).
The photo was instantly showered with love from the likes of Kerry Washington, Terry Crews, Olivia Munn and Lala Anthony. Wade didn't waste time responding to those who didn't like Zion's look.
"I've seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo," he tweeted. "Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so i get it. But here's the thing—I've been chosen to lead my family not y'all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile!"
Supporting your kids regardless of gender expression should obviously be the bar for parenting. But coming from an athlete — professional sports, not exactly being a haven of inclusivity or open-mindedness about gender — Wade's words carry weight. The athlete previously shared a picture of Zion, Kaavia and Union with the caption "MY GIRLS," and the family attended Miami Beach Pride together, as the Chicago Tribune points out.
"I don't really talk about it much because it's Zion's story to tell," Wade said, when asked about going to Pride by Variety. "I think as a family, we should support each other. That's our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do."
He also explained he's wary of praise: "I'm very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or the negativity that comes from it. I'm doing what every parent has to do. Once you bring kids into this world, you become unselfish. It's my job to be their role model, to be their voice in my kids' lives, to let them know you can conquer the world. So, go and be your amazing self and we're going to sit back and just love you."
Ok, there'll be no showering of praise but we'll say it: King.
Photo via Instagram
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Story by George M. Johnson / Photography by Mason Poole / Styling by Shiona Turini / Hair by Nakia Rachon / Make-up by Rokael Lizama / Creative direction by Andrew Makadsi