Dwayne Wade has shared how proud he is of his daughter, Zaya Wade, after the 12-year-old made her red carpet debut as a transgender girl.
The American basketball legend revealed Zaya wanted to be referred to with female pronouns last month.
Speaking on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Wade explained: ”Zaya, our 12-year-old, came home – I don’t know if everyone knows, originally named Zion; Zion, born as a boy – 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’d love for you guys to call me Zaya’.”
Wade continued: ”Once Zaya came home and said, ‘Call me Zaya,’ and ‘I’m ready to take on this,’ I looked at her and said, ‘You are a leader. It’s our opportunity to allow you to be a voice’.”
Now, Zaya has made her first public appearance identifying as a young woman at the Truth Awards in Los Angeles, which honours the achievements of the black LGBT+ community.
Zaya attended the event alongside Wade and her mother, actor Gabrielle Union.
The family wore coordinating green, pink and black ensembles for the occasion designed by Rich Fresh, who said the designs were partly Zaya’s idea in an Instagram post.
Wade shared a photograph of Zaya following the event on Instagram, writing: “Everyone allow her to re-introduce herself her name is Zaya Wade!
“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,” the 38-year-old continued.
“She has emerged as one of the young faces and voices for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Wade’s post has garnered more than 928,000 likes and thousands of comments from fans supporting Zaya.
“Very happy for her and you guys are an amazing family,” wrote one person.
Another added: “This is so inspiring !! Thank you for being a great leader !!”
