On Sunday, Former NBA star Dwyane Wade “reintroduced” his 12-year-old child — a biological boy — as his daughter, Zaya.
A few weeks after Zaya, whose birth name is Zion, announced he was transitioning from identifying as a boy to a girl, Wade posted a photo to his Instagram account celebrating his 12-year-old child’s redefined sexuality.
“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,” wrote the former athlete. “She has emerged as one of the young faces and voices for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Zaya wore a bright green tuxedo with black pants and a hot pink sash.
Zaya’s parents, Wade and Gabrielle Union, wore outfits that complemented their 12-year-old child’s vibrant clothes.
Last month, Wade spoke in several media appearances about how “proud” he was when his young child came out to him as transgender. He told daytime TV host Ellen DeGeneres that it’s most important for him to love his kid unconditionally. For him, that means being a “proud ally.”
After Zaya revealed her gender dysphoria and desire to be transgender, Wade recalled to DeGeneres telling his child, “You are a leader, and it’s our opportunity to allow you to be a voice. Right now, it’s through us, because she’s 12 years old, but eventually it will be through her.”