Gabrielle Union’s TikTok videos might seem cool to you, but they’re cringeworthy to her Gen Z daughter, Zaya! Parents always have a hard time trying to be relatable to their kids. However, that hasn’t stopped Dwyane Wade and his wife from making the effort. D-Wade tries to connect with her daughter by watching Netflix hit Heartstopper with Zaya, while Union became a constant source of love and support to the teenager when she needed it most. And she continues to do that.

The 17-year-old recently sat down for a conversation with Who What Wear and opened up about various fashion trends and more. She also recounted the time when she came out as transgender to her parents and the world. It took her quite some time to understand everything, including fashion sense and what makes her happy. She was struggling with an identity crisis. And her stepmom Gabrielle Union was a major help during that time.

Speaking about it, the 17-year-old expressed her gratitude. “My stepmom has just instilled such a confidence in my femininity,” she added. “I tried to compensate in every single way, and it was so draining. She was so adamant about telling me that I don’t have to look or act a certain way—I can just be me. And, oh my god, I thank her every day for it,” she concluded.

Both the 3x NBA champ and Union continued to use every means to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, spreading awareness and fighting for equal rights. Zaya does the same. She was recently honored with the Out100 honor for her efforts. Both Union and Wade joined their daughter for this big moment.

They have simple parenting rules, and one such is to raise the kids with love.

Gabrielle Union revealed Zaya’s teachers’ heartwarming message 

Both Union and the Miami Heat legend have consistently shown unwavering support and pride for their daughter Zaya, who was recently featured in Seventeen magazine. She has been a massive influence as an LGBTQ+ advocate and simply as a human being. Her school teachers made sure to let the parents know how much of a positive impact Zaya has on the school as well as her classmates.

The Bring It On actress proudly shared the heartwarming note that Zaya’s teachers sent to them. “And every time her teachers write about her, they’re like, ‘I’m actually crying as I’m writing this. You are such a pleasure in class. You add so much to the school community,” she said about Zaya, praising how she continues to show grace and strength.

Wade and Union’s teen daughter is balancing both her school and career. She hopes to continue doing so in the future, pursuing her modeling gigs while also being a STEM girl. Her parents have always been dedicated to creating a safe space for Zaya to thrive, and their constant efforts have become an inspiration for other parents as well.