Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Praised Daughter Zaya at the GLAAD Awards

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union are definitely proud parents. The Bring it On actress and former NBA star virtually presented the award for Outstanding Drama Series at the GLAAD Media Awards Thursday night. FX’s Pose won the award after they were snubbed at the 2020 Emmy nominations earlier this week.

While presenting the award, Wade took the opportunity to honor their 13-year-old daughter, Zaya Wade for teaching them more about the LGBTQ+ community.

“Our daughter Zaya is leading us in our journey”

“We stand as allies with the LGBTQ+ community as proud parents of a transgender child,” Wade said. “Our daughter Zaya is leading us in our journey, and we’re doing all we can to give every one of our kids the ability to live their truth.” The retired NBA player added,”I didn’t always understand how to do that. But I thank Zaya for teaching me, and GLAAD for elevating the images and messages that accelerate acceptance in every family.”

“We can empower each other and save lives”

Gabrielle asserted, “That mission means even more to us now as we raise all of our Black children. Black lives matter and Black trans lives matter. We are calling on all of our racial justice warriors out there to open their hearts and their minds to the LGBTQ+ community so that we can work together and empower each other and save lives. The shows nominated by GLAAD for Outstanding Drama Series empower us as well, giving LGBTQ+ people and their allies the opportunity to imagine every possibility.”

“It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are”

Wade and Union have both spoken publicly about Zaya. Back in February, Union, re-introduced the world to Zaya when the pre-teen came out as transgender. “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,” Union tweeted in February.

Zaya is heard saying in the video, “I know it can get tough, but I think you push through and be the best you. It’s become more accepting. Even through hard times you gotta push through, it’s very worth it. When you can look in the mirror and say ‘hi’ to yourself.”

Wade posted on Instagram in March saying, “Everyone allow her to re-introduce herself, her name is Zaya Wade! Last night was Zaya’s first red carpet and we couldn’t have been prouder of how she handled the questions that were asked of her. She has emerged as one of the young faces and voices for the LGBTQ+ community. #truthawards.”

“We want them to know there’s always unconditional love and support”

Wade also opened up about the unconditional love he and Union have for their family. “As I’m raising [Zaya], as I’m raising my kids, you just try to put them in the best situations to be able to succeed in life,” he said. “How I do that, and how me and my wife decide to do that, may be different than another family. But we want them to know there’s always unconditional love, that it will always be support. We’ve got you, no matter what. And we see you,” he added. “I see you how you see you.”

Wade is also dad to sons Zaire, 18, and Xavier, 6, and he and Union share 21-month-old daughter Kaavia James.