Dwayne Wade Says His 12 Year Old Son Identifies As Female

Dwayne Wade and Gabriella Union are giving a new definition to parenting as they made the announcement that their 12-year-old son has requested that they call her Zaya.

Wade speaking on The Elen Show says:

“Zion, born as a boy, came home and said ‘Hey, so, I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I’m ready to live my truth, and, I want to be referenced as she and her. I would love for you guys to call me Zaya.”

The duo took this seriously and appreciated that Zaya felt comfortable enough to open up to them. In his words:

We take our roles and responsibilities as parents very seriously. So, when our child comes home with a question, 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 now that sexuality [and gender] is involved. I looked at her and said you are a leader. It’s our opportunity to allow you to be a voice. Right now, it’s through us because she’s 12 years old, but eventually, it will be through her.

Zaya, via a video posted by her dad, has also come out to talk about being certain of who you are and avoiding identity crisis. In his words:

“What’s the point of being on this earth if you’re gonna try to be someone you’re not? It’s like you’re not even living as yourself, which is like the dumbest concept to me. It’s just like, be true and don’t really care what the stereotypical way of being you is. Even through hard times, you gotta push through. It’s worth it when you reach that point of yourself. You stand in the mirror and say, nice to miss you instead of I don’t really know who I am”

Zaya Wade was born during the union of Dwayne and his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches.