In 2025, Zaya Wade, Dwyane Wade’s daughter and Gabrielle Union’s stepdaughter, is gaining attention for her unique style and confidence. In a cover story for Who What Wear, Zaya crediting Union for helping her embrace her femininity after coming out as transgender at 12. She shared that Union reassured her she could be herself without conforming to societal expectations. Union expressed pride in Zaya’s journey, highlighting the importance of love and support in allowing her to thrive. She noted that admiration for Zaya transcends the LGBTQIA community, inspiring others to embrace their true selves.
Zaya Wade, Dwyane Wade’s daughter and Gabrielle Union‘s stepdaughter, is making headlines in 2025 with her incredible style and confidence. In a recent cover story for Who What Wear, model Zaya revealed a touching aspect of her relationship with her stepmother, expressing gratitude for how Union played a pivotal role in boosting her confidence after she came out publicly.
(Just a reminder: Zaya came out as transgender in 2020 when she was only 12!)
“My stepmom has really empowered me to embrace my femininity,” she shared, reflecting on the identity struggles she faced after coming out. “I was constantly trying to fit in countless ways, and it was exhausting,” Wade reminisces. “She firmly assured me that I don’t need to conform to any specific look or behavior—I’m free to just be myself. And I can’t thank her enough for that every single day.”
Let’s hear it loudly for those in the back!
For those unfamiliar, the You Got Anything Stronger? author and Wade welcomed their daughter Kaavia, now 6, via a surrogate back in November 2018. Union also takes on the role of stepmom to Wade’s older children, Zaire, 23, and Zaya, 17. Additionally, Wade serves as the legal guardian to his nephew, Dahveon Morris, who is 23 years old.
In a prior interview with The View in February 2025, Union expressed her immense pride in her stepdaughter, stating, “Who she is is incredible, and it’s due to the love and protection we provide her regarding her freedom, humanity, and rights, which allows her to flourish.”
“When we receive compliments about who she is, who she represents, and what she stands for, it goes beyond the LGBTQIA community,” she continued. “Older individuals have come up to me saying, ‘I wish my parents had given me the freedom to live out my truth and reach my full potential; I’m so glad she’s doing it at such a young age.’”
These celeb parents are so proud of their LGBTQ kids.