Zaya Wade Credits Stepmom Gabrielle Union for Boosting Confidence After Coming Out

Zaya Wade, now 17 and making strides as a model, reflected on the period after she came out publicly. She described trying to 'compensate in every single way,' an experience she found 'so draining.' Stepmom Gabrielle Union's intervention was pivotal. '[Union] 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,' Zaya shared with *Who What Wear*.

This supportive environment is something Union herself has championed. In a February 2025 interview on *The View*, she expressed immense pride in Zaya, stating, 'Who she is amazing but it’s because we love her so much and we protect her freedom and her humanity and her rights that she’s allowed to blossom.' Union also noted the positive feedback received, even from older individuals who wished they'd had similar support in their youth.

The Wade-Union family includes daughter Kaavia (6), Zaya (17), Zaire (23), and Dwyane Wade's nephew Dahveon Morris (23), for whom he is the legal guardian.

When did Zaya Wade come out as transgender?

Zaya Wade came out publicly in 2020 at the age of 12.

How did Gabrielle Union support Zaya Wade after she came out?

Gabrielle Union supported Zaya by instilling confidence in her femininity, reassuring her that she didn't need to conform to specific expectations, encouraging her to simply be herself, and publicly affirming the family's love and protection.

What impact do you think visible support from figures like Gabrielle Union has on broader acceptance? Let us know!

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