Watch Dwyane Wade embrace his 12-year-old child's gender identity

Wade sets a shining example for all parents.
By Siobhan Neela-Stock  on 
Watch Dwyane Wade embrace his 12-year-old child's gender identity
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Dwyane Wade is one supportive papa.

On Tuesday, former NBA player Wade (who is married to actress Gabrielle Union) appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and told Ellen about the moment his 12-year-old child came home to talk with Wade and Union about her gender identity.

"Once Zaya came home... and said 'Hey, so I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I'm ready to live my truth, and I want to be referenced as 'she' and 'her.' I would love for you guys to call me Zaya,'" Wade said.

When Zaya was born, she was named Zion and recognized as a boy.

Wade said it's now his and Union's jobs to learn as much as possible to support Zaya. Union has already reached out to every cast member of the popular TV show Pose, which features a large ensemble of transgender actors, Wade revealed.

DeGeneres is all for Wade's inclusive attitude.

"I think it's what every parent should be, is what you're being right now, which is unconditionally loving your child and supporting your child in whoever they are," DeGeneres said.

Mashable Image
Siobhan Neela-Stock

Siobhan was the Social Good reporter at Mashable, writing about everything from mental health to race to the climate crisis. Before diving into the world of journalism, she worked in global health — most notably, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique. Find her at @siobhanneela.


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