Yesterday, Zaya Wade was among the stylish stars in the front row at the Miu Miu Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week. Zaya Wade mixed a vintage and younger look for Miu Miu‘s critically-acclaimed show. Zaya was among other fashionable stars and influencers to watch the latest Miu Miu collection walk down the runway
While taking in Miuccia Prada’s latest designs at the occasion during Paris Fashion Week, Wade stepped out in a pair of the brand’s $2,450 square-toed boots. Her biker style featured brown leather uppers with knee-high shafts, completed by darker soles with 3-inch block heels.
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union are raising a beautiful family and all of their kids are very talented and poised for success in the future. Having two superstar parents who have seen it all in their lives, like Dwyane and Gabrielle, is an amazing perk to have. However, it can also be a con. When kids have celebrity parents who have excelled in their respective fields, society, and sometimes the parents, expect them to follow in their footsteps. That is something that Dwyane was dealing with himself.
One child that he felt was destined for the NBA was his then-son, Zion. Wade and Siovaughn Funches gave birth to him on May 29, 2007. But, Zion then changed her name to Zaya in 2019 and came out publicly as trans one year later. With that change, Zaya has been pursuing a career as a runway model and she is already making strides. For any parent, having a child transition can be a tough thing to accept, but Dwyane spoke with glee and truthfulness about supporting Zaya.
In the clip above, Wade is speaking with ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay podcast about letting go of his plans for Zaya. His close friends, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, have kids who are on track to reach the NBA. Those were his aspirations for Zaya but, as Wade said, “Then I got to meet my child.” He continues candidly, “And a lot of people like to talk about Zaya’s transition, but to me, Zaya hasn’t transitioned into anything. She’s but a kid, and now becoming a young adult.” He is fully embracing her daughter’s life choices and she is killing it right now in the fashion industry at just 16 years old.
What are your initial thoughts on Dwyane Wade speaking about his daughter, Zaya Wade? Why do you think it is hard for some people to accept other people’s choices to transition? How do you feel about this situation as a whole? We want to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always be sure to keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Dwyane Wade and the rest of the pop culture world.
The last few years have been a whirlwind for Zaya Wade, and she’s only 15 years old. The teen is the daughter and stepdaughter of Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, respectively, and she’s grown up in the spotlight—albeit not everyone has been supportive. The Wades shared that Zaya was transitioning when she was just 12, and it didn’t take long for critics to jump in. Zaya received a warm welcome from her LGBTQIA peers, especially those within the transgender community, and her family has been firmly standing by her side.
As Zaya gets older, she recognizes the significant impact of her visibility. “It means to me that I’m a microphone,” she told Dazed during an interview for her cover feature. “I am my own person and I have my own experiences, but for me, as a role model, I try to use my personal experience to broadcast the positives and also the negatives in life, because a lot of LGBTQ+ youth go unrecognized in every way. I think I am here to share those experiences: to voice them, but also to enhance them. So the world can know, ‘We are here, we are queer, we are here to stay, and we aren’t going anywhere.’”
At every turn, Dwyane and Gabrielle have vocalized their avid support of their daughter. The world can be a cruel place, and the Wades have experienced that firsthand. People have written think-pieces about the teen and have called her vicious names because of her transition. The negativity has only strengthened Zaya’s resolve, but it has caused her to remain cautious. She told Dazed she has to filter her social media to keep her mental health intact.
“There are some highs and some lows,” said the model and activist. “I mean, a lot of attention equals a lot more hate, a lot of transphobia, and [there is] a lot of pressure on me, but I’m also able to reach more people. The positives of having such an inclusive platform completely outweigh all of the negativity online, which my support system has enabled me to filter out. It has allowed me to let in the positivity and distribute it to all of the trans people in the world who need a voice and give them a platform to get inspired to live with themselves without being afraid.”
During her interview, Zaya also answered a few questions written by admirers. One person wanted to know what advice she had for other trans kids. “You’re not alone! There are so many people out there. I wish I knew that as a kid because I felt so isolated, thinking there was no one else like me,” she said. “And the percentage of trans adults versus trans children is such a wide difference. [When you’re] a child at school you’re like, ‘I’m trans, and I don’t see many trans people, so I feel isolated, I feel different from anyone.’”
“But that is not the only community,” Zaya further stated. “There are thousands of communities waiting [for you], and the trans community is forever growing. Even if you can’t have direct contact with them, just seeing their experience is so accessible because of social media. Other people can inspire you.” Check out more from Zaya Wade’s photoshoot with Dazed magazine above.
At just 15 years old, Zaya Wade has already established herself as an inspiration and role model to many. The young girl previously came out as transgender in February 2020 and has since received both immense support and overwhelming criticism from haters upset by her self-expression. Thankfully, father Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union have showered the rising star with love, giving her the confidence to make her dreams come true.
Over three years after announcing her identity to the world, Zaya was granted an official name and gender change last month. The decision came following a lengthy legal battle between the athlete and his ex-wife, Ziohvaughn Funches. She reportedly felt as though Dwyane was “pressuring” their child to “move forward” with the recent changes “in order to capitalize on financial opportunities.”
Zaya Wade’s Major Life Changes
Zaya Wade attends PUMA FOREVER.CLASSIC at PUMA NYC Flagship Store on March 04, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for PUMA)
The family patriarch’s argument was that he simply wants Zaya to “live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life.” Clearly, the judge sided with Dwyane, who’s been consistently using his platform to uplift his daughter’s LGBTQ+ identity while fighting hate and miseducation from internet trolls. She’s obviously been celebrating with her closest friends and family in the days since her name and gender change, but it wasn’t until today that she really got to commemorate the special moment.
During Paris Fashion Week, Zaya made her designer runway debut, walking in Miu Miu’s F/W 2023-24 presentation. She was styled in an oversized knit blazer in a gorgeous olive green colour, worn over a matching weather and pencil skirt underneath. The model carried a stunning brown leather bag under her arm, pairing it with matching slingback shoes that helped her strut with confidence.
As Page Six notes, Zaya’s parents cheered her on from the front row, along with the Wade family’s stylist, Thomas Christos Kikis. “I’m not crying, you are,” the proud father wrote on his Instagram Story while showing his teenage daughter off to the world. Elsewhere on the runway, horror actress Mia Goth, The Crown star Emma Corrin, and musician Ethel Cain were all tapped to show off Miu Miu’s latest look. Tell us your thoughts on Zaya Wade’s runway debut in the comments below, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
Sports fans largely consider Dwayne Wade one of the best basketball plays in recent history. However, these days many think of him as the proud father of Zaya Wade. This is because since the spotlight found Zaya, Dwayne and his wife, Gabrielle Union, have been staunch supporters of her. First, though, fans should note that Gabrolle is Zaya’s stepmother. Her mother is Siohvaughn Funches. She and Dwayne Wade were married from 2002 until 2010. Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union tied the knot in 2014.
Zaya was born in 2007. Since Dwayne Wade and Siohvaughn separated, Zaya has lived with Dwayne and Gabrielle. In addition, Dwayne has three other kids, one of which is with Gabrielle Union. He is also the legal guardian of one of his nephews. As most people know, Zaya Wade is transgender. She came out a couple of years ago and has been a public figure ever since. Of course, there has been controversy directed at the child. However, her parents support her, and she has received many kind words from other LGBT+ advocates. Zaya and her family also recently crossed a substantial legal hurdle that gives them a reason to celebrate.
Here’s a look into who Zaya Wade is and why she sparks so much conversation.
When Did Zaya Wade Come Out
Zaya Wade attends Harlem’s Fashion Row x Janie and Jack Los Angeles Fashion presentation. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Coming out and admitting your truth can be challenging for anyone to do. For Zaya, she came out publicly as transgender in 2020. Of course, the topic of transgender individuals wasn’t new at the time, but it still sparked some controversy. It was Dwayne Wade himself who announced that his child was indeed trans. This happened in February of that year, and he spoke about fearing the hate she may receive. Dwayne Wade’s daughter made her red carpet debut the next month at the Truth Awards. More recently, the basketball star even said he fears her safety whenever she leaves the house.
Since coming out as transgender, Zaya Wade has not only faced some backlash. She has been an inspiration. Of course, being only 15 currently, there is only so much she can say herself. However, Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union have done a great job supporting Zaya and speaking about transgender rights. More recently, the couple received an award at the NAACP Image Awards. In their speech, they talked about how LGBTQ+ people, especially trans people, are often left out of the conversation about equality. Their speech was seen by many as a call to action for inclusion.
In February of this year, the news broke that a judge granted Dwayne Wade’s daughter a huge legal victory. Zaya Wade is now legally her name. In addition, the young girl was granted a legal gender transition. This means that her birth certificate reflects her life as a girl instead of her identity before transitioning. The ruling was filed in a Los Angeles superior court. For the most part, the world seems accepting of this legal change for Zaya.
Despite general acceptance of Dwayne Wade’s daughter’s legal name and gender change, some critics have stated Zaya and her parents should have waited a few more years until she turned 18. One notable example of this was when actress LisaRaye McCoy spoke about this on her Fox Soul show and expressed doubt that this was even legally possible. In addition, of course, since before the legal gender and name change, rapper Lil Boosie has been a major detractor for not only Zaya but the LGBTQ+ community in general.
Siohvaughn Funches, Zaya’s mother, has been outspoken against Zaya’s transitioning for a while now. While she hasn’t seemed hateful, she has expressed concerns that Dwayne and Gabrielle are using their child. She said as recently as last year that Dwayne is profiting from his daughter’s newfound fame. However, the ex-NBA player responded by saying she has had numerous opportunities to get to know Zaya, including speaking to her therapists and doctors and getting to know her friends. According to Dwayne, Siohvaugn has had no interest in doing so. He also stated that his ex-wife tried something similar some time ago that caused significant harm to their children.
Of course, Siohvaughn also has support in the media. Many feel she should have some say in their daughter’s public life. No one is sure why the former couple has such a contentious relationship, but it does seem that she is more traditional in her beliefs and may not be understanding even if she was in Zaya’s life more. It’s also unclear how often Zaya and her mother actually speak. She first spoke out about the idea of a legal name change back in November of 2022. It’s not uncommon for parents to not be accepting when it comes to having a transgender child, but hopefully, Siohvaughn will someday come to fully accept her daughter.
Last year social media was in a frenzy when retired NBA player Dwyane Wade filed a legal petition to change his son Zion’s name and gender. Wade filed the petition for the new birth certificate two years after his son came out as transgender.
According to legal documents, obtained by The Blast, Wade originally asked a Los Angeles County Court judge to make the transition official, and change his child’s name from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade.
Although Zaya’s mother, Wade’s first wife Siovaugh Funches-Wade, objected to the change addresses the mother of his daughter D Wade confirmed he has full authority to make this decision. “Pursuant to the terms of the Final Custody Judgment, (Wade) has full authority to make decisions on behalf of the petitioning minor, and he is not required to receive consent from Ms. Funches-Wade. As a courtesy, Ms. Funches-Wade has received notice of this petition,” the document reads. Also, it specifically cites the reason for the change as “to conform with gender identity.”
TMZ reports that the change is now official.
According to new legal docs we obtained, an L.A. County judge just signed off on the new legal identity for Dwyane’s transgender 15-year-old.
Zion Malachi Airamis Wade is now legally Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade … and the judge also ruled in favor of her official gender change from male to female.
Zaya Wade, the transgender daughter of Dwyane Wade, was just granted a legal name and gender change, according to TMZ. Moreover, on Friday (February 25), they reported that a Los Angeles county judge approved the 15-year-old’s legal identity. Furthermore, this comes after her “proud” father Dwyane petitioned the court, which he first did in August of 2022. Now, in legal terms after coming out as trans in 2020, Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade is a female. While it might anger the most bigoted or close-minded of individuals, this is an important step in Zaya affirming her identity and being recognized as she wishes in the legal sense.
Dwyane had Zaya with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches back in 2007. While Zaya’s become an outspoken voice for trans rights and gender education, her parents had differing approaches to her identity. Moreover, the couple divorced in 2010 after eight years of marriage. The retired NBA star advocated for Zaya’s right to “live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life.” However, Funches accused him of pressuring their daughter’s transition “in order to capitalize on financial opportunities.”
Zaya Wade Granted Legal Female Identity
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched) (L-R) Dwyane Wade, Zaya Wade, and Gabrielle Union arrive at Gucci Love Parade on November 02, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Gucci)
Still, the 41-year-old former basketball player called such claims “nonsensical” in a November 2022 filing. “While it certainly would have been preferable for Zaya’s mother to be supportive of this important part of Zaya’s journey, Zaya should not be forced to put her life on hold while she waits for Siohvaughn to acknowledge and accept her truth,” he stated. Also, he said that his daughter’s legal transition is in her “best interest. From simple introductions and food orders, to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.”
Meanwhile, Funches- who used her daughter’s dead name “Zion”- said she wanted Zaya to wait until age 18 to transition. Afterwards, Wade once again expressed issue with this mentality. “I’m very disappointed that [Funches] continuously finds ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children,” he wrote on social media. Regardless of your take, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Dwyane and Zaya Wade.
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have shared photos of their daughter, Zaya, prior to her winter formal. The 15-year-old rocked a sparkling white gown for the high school dance.
“Supporting each other for life’s big moments is key. All the nerves, all the anxiety, all the fear… With loved ones by your side, no matter the challenge, we 10 toes down. Always,” Union, who is Zaya’s stepmother, captioned the family’s post.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16:(L-R) Zaya Wade, Gabrielle Union, Kaavia James Union Wade and Dwyane Wade attend the World Premiere of “Cheaper By the Dozen” at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 16, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
As for Zaya’s birth mother, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, she’s been locked in a legal battle with the family for months. Funches-Wade claims that Wade forced their daughter to undergo gender reassignment surgery for financial gain.
“Since this must be the new way of parenting, I guess I have to address these allegations here, which is a damn shame,” he wrote, before adding, “While I’m on a life-changing trip in our motherland, Africa, I’ve received a social media post about me forcing out 15 year old child to be someone she’s not and to do something against her will. There are serious and harmful allegations that have hurt our children.”
Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in 2020, Wade discussed his support for his daughter’s gender identity as well as being an ally to the LBGTQ+ community.
“We take our roles and our responsibility as parents very seriously,” Wade said at the time. “When a child comes home with a question, when a child comes home with an issue, when a 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’s now involved in it.”
Check out Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s post for Zaya below.
D.L. Hughley recently sat down for a lengthy interview with none other than DJ Vlad.
In typical VLADTV fashion, the 59-year-old certainly ends up opening up about a number of controversial topics.
DL Hughley performs onstage at The Laugh Factory Hosts Stand Up for Haiti Fundraiser at The Laugh Factory on August 30, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
“I think two things can exist; I think that I can respect the love and protection that they feel [as parents]. I think loving your child without recriminations is required of us. It’s also disingenuous to believe that people aren’t gonna have an opinion to that. If you make these things public, people there are people [who are] gonna have public assessments of it, so I can’t fault you for loving your child and protecting them and being proud of them, and equally, I can’t fault people for having an opinion” says the actor in a clip of their talk.
“Listen, to me, you’re not grown until you leave my house. If you’re still going to a pediatrician, if you need my permission to go to a movie, then I’m going to have a say in what happens. If you believe that isn’t how you want to run your family, I have no choice but to respect that,” he continues afterwards.
Of course, this all stems from Gabrielle Union coming to the defense of her stepdaughter, Zaya Wade. In 2020, the 15-year-old publicly came out as transgender.
In a resurfacing clip of an interview that the actress did with Jemele Hill, she calls out Boosie Badazz for continuously speaking on Zaya. “He’s so pre-occupied. It’s almost like, thou doth protest too much, Little Boos. You got a lot of d*ck on your mind,” says the She’s All That actress.
AND I OOP This resurfaced clip from Gabrielle Union’s live talk with Jemele Hill is going viral where she called out Boosie for consistently speaking on Zaya Wade.
In response, the “Set It Off” rapper took to his Twitter account. “LOL!! THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW I LOVE WOMEN N THE WORLD KNOW YOUR HUSBAND LOVE D*CK!! I HOPE U DONT THINK BLACKS LOOK AT YALL LIKE A POWER COUPLE THEY DONT!! I HAD REFUSED TO TALK ABOUT YALL IN INTERVIEWS N HEAR YOU GO!!” he explicitly writes in a tweet from December.
LOL THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW I LOVE WOMEN N THE WORLD KNOW YOUR HUSBAND LOVE DICKI HOPE U DONT THINK BLACKS LOOK AT YALL LIKE A POWER COUPLETHEY DONTI HAD REFUSED TO TALK ABOUT YALL IN INTERVIEWS N HEAR YOU GOGO BANG HIM WITH THAT DILDO N WAIT ON A SCRIPT U LIL WHITE GIRL
What are your thoughts on D.L. Hughley’s comments? Do you agree or disagree? Comment down below. Finally, make sure you stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest stories and updates in pop culture.
Dwyane Wade takes much pride in being a dad. The father of four is never shy about publicly defending and protecting his cubs. When it comes to daughter, Zaya Wade, the 3-time NBA Champion pulls all the stops to make sure she feels safe and secure as she navigates her gender journey.
Last month, Wade filed a court motion to legally change 15-year old Zaya’s gender and name from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade. The Miami Heat legend filed court docs, stating that he has “full authority” to file the petition without the consent of Zaya’s mother, Siohvaughn Funches. The courts however did send Funches a courtesy notice of Wade’s petition.
Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Zaya Wade
The 15-year old recent made headlines after showing off her new long, flowing tresses in a Tiffany & Co. campaign. She shared the stunning pics to her Instagram story, writing, “Dreams become reality.” While both celebs and fans gushed over the photo on social media, many noticed that some of the comments under Zaya’s pic had been blocked. After one fan questioned the Wade family’s decision to limit her comment section, D. Wade hopped on to Twitter to explain.
“For Zaya’s mental health and privacy we’ve decided not to allow the hate into her comments, “ he tweeted. The NBA legend added, “Thank you for wanting to spread and send her love.” The heartwarming tweet comes just days after the 40-year old dad gushed over his daughter’s model-esque Tiffany & Co. photos by flooding the comment section with heart-eye emojis.
For Zaya’s mental health and privacy we’ve decided not to allow the hate into her comments. Thank you for wanting to spread and send her love https://t.co/tmjMUGtcVf
Wade also shared back in June that he fears for his daughter’s life, sharing at a summit, “As blessed as it is for my daughter to have parents who can support her, I’m still afraid every moment she leaves the house. And not just because of gun violence, but because of the way people perceive her in this world.”
This resurfaced clip from Gabrielle Union’s live talk with Jemele Hill is going viral where she called out Boosie for consistently speaking on Zaya Wade.
(@itsKenBarbie) 
THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW I LOVE WOMEN N THE WORLD KNOW YOUR HUSBAND LOVE DICK
THEY DONT
