Dwyane Wade details moment daughter came out as transgender

By Mirror | 4yrs ago | 3 min read

**Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union [Photo: Courtesy]**

Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade had opened up on his daughter, Zaya, identifying as transgender.

The retired NBA star, married to actress Gabrielle Union, was speaking to Ellen DeGeneres on Tuesday’s Ellen Show.

Wade also explained how 12-year-old Zaya, whom he shares with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, had come to him detailing wanting to “live her truth”.

“Me and my wife Gabrielle Union are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re proud allies as well,” Wade told the audience on the show on Tuesday.

“We take our roles and responsibility as parents very seriously.

**Dwyane Wade with Zaya at a celebration of his NBA career last April [Photo: Getty Images]**

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

"So when our child comes home with a question, when our child comes home with an issue, when our child comes home with anything, it’s our job as parents to listen to that and give them the best information that we can, the best feedback that we can.

"And that doesn't change because sexuality is now involved in it."

Wade also added that he and his wife reached out to the cast of the TV show "Pose" to educate themselves on the LGBTQ+ community.

"Now it's our job to one, go out and get information, to reach out to every relationship that we have," Wade said.

"We're just trying to figure out as much information as we can to make sure that we give our child the best opportunity to be her best self."

**Wade hugs Zaya after his final career home game at American Airlines Arena [Photo: Getty Images]**

Union took to Twitter on Tuesday to introduce Zaya, writing: "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."

The video shows Wade and Zaya ride in a golf cart, with Zaya telling her dad, "You gotta just push through, I mean it's worth it, I feel like it's very worth it, when you reach that point of like, yourself."

Union later posted: "Huge huge huge THANK YOU to everyone whose dms I slid into, friends, & family who provided information, resources, love & encouragement.

"We are humble LGBTQ+ allies with ALOT to learn & grateful for all the support. We encourage yall to check us as needed. Again, thank you".