Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Proudly Celebrate Zaya Wade at the Out100 Gala
Since coming out as a trans girl at age 12, Zaya Wade’s distinctive style and poise have made her a popular figure among young audiences and LGBTQ+ advocates. Her story has helped normalize discussions about gender identity, especially for transgender youth. Her dad and stepmom, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, have never wavered in their support for the now-17-year-old. Recently, the trio walked the red carpet together at a major LGBTQ+ gala.
Prominent publication Out magazine hosts the annual Out100 Gala to celebrate the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in entertainment, activism, politics, business, and more. Naturally, the Wade-Union family received an invite as many families look to them as models of a healthy dynamic. Wade and Union’s public support of Zaya has inspired many and opened up conversations about what it means to be supportive parents of LGBTQ+ children.
At 12, Zaya told her parents she was a trans girl, beginning her gender transition after her family expressed support. Dwyane even told GMA that she’d known her true gender identity since age 3. In 2020, Zaya came out as transgender more publicly. She shared her journey with the media as her parents expressed their desire to show her unconditional love and understanding.
For the Out100 Gala, Zaya aligned with her signature feminine chic style. She wore the Ronny Kobo Lena Jacket Dress, which featured a contrast collar and sleeves in leopard print faux fur. She added patent-leather Mary Jane heels, pink blush, and a natural glossy lip, giving a nod to the old-money aesthetic with the preppy ensemble.
Her stepmom wore a look by Burberry as she serves as a representative for the British luxury label. Embodying the brand’s timeless yet contemporary style, Union donned a checkered mini-dress, studded leather pumps, and a handbag for the Out100 Gala. She swept her braids over one shoulder and added a subtle smokey eye. Zaya’s dad wore a denim jacket and pants by Loro Piana.
The oldest daughter of NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, Zaya is part of a blended family. Born on May 29, 2007, as Zion Malachi Airamis Wade, Zaya has three siblings. Zaire, 22, is her older brother. They share a mother, Dwyane’s ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. Zaya and Zaire have two half-siblings, Kaavia, 6, and Xavier, 11, whom Dwyane shares with Union.
In addition to her family’s support, Zaya’s confidence and self-awareness have led her to modeling. In 2022, she made waves in the fashion industry by modeling for several brands and eventually signing with United Talent Agency. Her modeling debut included campaigns for big names like Tiffany & Co., which helped establish her presence in the industry. Now, she’s an ambassador for Puma and appeared on the covers of Dazed Magazine and HOMMEGIRLS Magazine.
