It’s a universal experience for children to feel misunderstood by their parents. I mean, we have all been there. But here’s the thing: some parents actually do the work to tear that wall down. Like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade did when Zaya came out as trans. Dwyane didn’t have to go on The Ellen Show and open up their family’s story to the world. But he did because he knew some kid watching might need to see what unconditional love looks like.

But are they perfect? Nope. And at times, even Zaya has felt the gap. They recently opened up about this exact dynamic on Timeout With Dwyane Wade. Dwyane Wade made an Instagram post of the clip where they openly discuss how Zaya felt. She said, “I think that a part of us learning about the trans experience is also me just getting more comfortable with you and talking to you about things.” This just reflects how understanding her identity wasn’t just about awareness for Zaya, it was also about building deeper trust with her parents.

She continued to express, “Because, I mean, Chicago, African-American man, we talk about a lot of stuff. Not to stereotype, but not often do you have a full-blown conversation with a black man.” She put it perfectly, it’s really difficult, especially in a space where people like her rarely get to speak their truth without filters. She shared a beautiful insight. “And so, when you talk about conversations, it reminds me of our road trips, when we just go on little drives around town and end up just talking about super deep stuff.” 

See, those real talks never happen when you are trying too hard. They only sneak up in the quiet moments, when no one’s performing or pretending. Dwyane Wade shared his perspective of how he sees things. He started with, “I’m in love with my kids.” This opener just tells you what’s coming next. “And so, my job is to sit down. Me and Zaya have always, I go and sit across Zaya’s bed and we have a two to four hour conversation. And that’s a lot of times where we get to talk and it’s a safe space.” That’s successful fatherhood right there.

And nobody would understand that better than a fellow father. Like Matt Barnes, who loves his kids dearly. So, Matt Barnes showed his support and commented under Dwyane Wade’s post: “Hbd @zayawade .. Powerful conversation @dwyanewade. There’s no rule book to fatherhood. We’re learning daily ❤️” Matt said something every dad knows deep down. You don’t get a roadmap for this parenting thing. You just lead with love and figure it out as you go.

That dad moment between them was so right on time. As Zaya has just turned 18, and Wade is showing up like always.

Dwyane Wade celebrates Zaya’s magazine feature

As Zaya Wade celebrates her 18th birthday, her recent feature in Seventeen magazine stands as a powerful proof of how far she has come. Not just as a rising model, but also as a voice for transgender youth worldwide. And Dwyane Wade amazingly kicked off Zaya’s milestone birthday by gifting her a luxurious Chanel piece. It’s a Chanel Calfskin bag worth around $7,500. But this is not the first celebration of Zaya’s identity and existence.

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Wade’s pride radiates beyond social media posts. It is fully woven into their actions. From attending her photoshoots to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights alongside her, Dwyane Wade, has been her fiercest ally. Whether it is about shutting down critics in interviews or ensuring that her transition is met with proper respect in legal and social areas. With adulthood comes new freedom, and Zaya’s Seventeen feature feels almost like a launchpad.

Now that Zaya is 18, she is going to own her narrative fully. Whether through modeling, activism, or the next unexpected chapter that we cannot wait to see. Dwyane and Gabrielle’s roles are shifting, too. They are transitioning from protectors to cheerleaders as Zaya takes all the command. But one thing hasn’t changed: their willingness to stand beside her, even when it means challenging norms.