Dwyane Wade and his family had an amazing day on Friday. According to court filings, Dwyane Wade’s daughter Zaya Wade’s legal name change and legal transition have been approved three years after she came out as transgender.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judgment announced that the 15-year-old’s legal name is now Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade, and she was also given the right to have sex markers on her legal papers that correspond to her gender identification. Given how supportive Dwyane and his wife, Gabrielle Union, have been of Zaya, there’s little question they’re happy for her.
Dwyane and Gabrielle were recognized with the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, and the happy father used the occasion to talk directly to his daughter in his address.
In his words, “I have sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on the public scrutiny. And even though it’s not easy, I’ve watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself. I admire how you’ve handled the ignorance in our world…that you face every day. To say that your village is proud of you is an understatement.”
Gabrielle took the podium to speak for LGBTQ rights.
She said that in their nation, black trans individuals are being targeted, tormented, and persecuted. Every day, all over the place. And there’s hardly ever a murmur about it. They honestly don’t approach their job as activists or leaders as much as they do as parents who love their kids and will do whatever it takes to keep them visible, protected, and safe.
They are hoping that they may see a true change in the battle for justice: the moment the movement creates a place for everyone, she said.
Dwyane has always been a vocal supporter of Zaya.
Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, Zaya’s mother, opposed Zaya’s name change in November 2022, stating that Dwyane was attempting to “profit” from the incident. Nonetheless, he was quick to turn to Instagram Stories and reveal the truth.
Congratulations to the Wades!
This weekend seems to have been rather exciting for all of them, and it’s fantastic to read that Zaya may finally (legally) be who she’s always been. Let’s hope that as this chapter of her life progresses, only more interesting things await her.
