Gabrielle Union shared a video of her husband Dwyane Wade’s 12-year-old son talking about his sexuality while giving advice to people in his shoes.
Zion Malachi Airamis Wade, 12, came out as transgender at an early age and now goes by Zaya (read here).
In a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Dwyane spoke about the moment his child with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches came out as transgender.
The retired NBA star explained that Zaya was born as Zion, assigned male at birth, but wanted to live her truth.
He said: “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.
He continued: “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, to 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.”
After Dwyane’s interview with Ellen went viral, Gabrielle Union took to Instagram to formally introduce Zion to the world as Zaya.
She shared a video of Zaya speaking about sexuality while driving a golf cart with father Dwyane in it. In the video, Zaya advised other transgender people on how to handle life.
In the video, Zaya said: “… because they’re afraid they will be judged. I would say, you know, don’t even think about that. You know, just be true to yourself because what’s the point of being on this earth if you’re going to try to be someone you’re not. It’s like you’re not even living as yourself, you’re just like the dumbest concept to me.
“Be true and don’t really care of what the stereotypical way of being you is.”
Gabrielle shared the video with the caption: “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.”
And celebrities replied by declaring their support for the Wade family.
Jessica Alba wrote: “her brain and spirit is on another level – we should all rise to that consciousness.”
Timbaland wrote: “This so needed.”
Tracee Ellis Ross wrote: “@gabunion @dwyanewade and Zaya LOVE YOU!”
Jamie Foxx added: “Bless you brother with big love!”
