Former NBA player Dwyane Wade has talked openly about how he and his wife support their 12-year-old daughter Zaya.
Dwyane Wade, who is married to actress Gabriella Union, appeared on The Ellen Show last week and discussed how his daughter came out to their family.
Since then, he has talked openly about supporting and loving his daughter Zaya who he says has known her gender identity since she was three.
Zaya came out to her mother and father at twelve years old by saying she was ready to live her truth. She said she would love for her parents to now refer to her with "she" and "her" pronouns as well as being called Zaya going forward.
Dwyane told Ellen that he and his wife Gabrielle take their role as parents "very seriously". He said:
"When a child comes home with anything, it's our job as parents to listen to that and give them the best information we can, the best feedback we can, and that doesn't change now that sexuality is now involved."
He continued by saying that now it's the couple's job as parents to go out and get information to give their daughter the best support and advice possible in order for her to "be her best self".
He said he is extremely proud to have a daughter in the LGBTQ+ community and that his wife even reached out to cast of Netflix hit show Pose to ask how they could best support their daughter.
Ellen told the former NBA star:
"I think you're being what every parent should be right now which is unconditionally loving your child and supporting your child in whoever they are."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the following helplines may be able to provide help and advice:
LGBT Helpline: Call 1890 929 539
Gender Identity Family Support Line: Call 01 907 3707
Alternatively, visit LGBT.ie.
