Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Embark on College Tours with Daughter Zaya: Exploring College Options

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Start College Tours for Dwaynes Daughter Zaya

Zaya Wade, Kaavia James Union Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Dwyane Wade, his wife Gabrielle Union, and their daughter Zaya recently went on a college tour. Wade shared their excitement on Instagram, posting photos and videos from the trip with the caption "We're in the College Visits season!!!" Wade, 42, couldn't hide his happiness during the tour.

Wade and Zaya, 16, posed for a photo together under an umbrella, smiling at the camera. In another video, Zaya walked with Union, 51, down a brick path lined with trees.

Wade is a father to Zaya and 22-year-old son Zaire with his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. He also has a son named Xavier, born in 2013 with ex Aja Metoyer. Wade and Union have a daughter named Kaavia James, who was born in 2018.

Wade and Zaya have a close bond that has grown over the years. The NBA champion has been vocal in expressing his support for his daughter since she came out as transgender.

During an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February 2020, Wade proudly stated, "My wife, Gabrielle Union, and I are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community, and we are also proud allies. We take our roles as parents very seriously."

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Start College Tours for Dwaynes Daughter Zaya

Zaya Wade, Dwyane Wade, Kaavia Wade and Gabrielle Union Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

Wade mentioned that both he and Union wanted to provide Zaya with the best opportunity to be her true self. He remembered a past conversation where he told Zaya that she is a leader and that this is a chance for her to use her voice. Currently, they are helping her with this at 12 years old, but eventually, she will lead on her own.

Almost two years later, Wade's relationship with Funches, who is 42, gained attention when she filed a petition to oppose Zaya's legal name and gender change. In the documents obtained by We, Funches alleged that Wade stood to benefit financially from Zaya's legal petition.

Wade, on the other hand, criticized Funches in a post on Instagram.

He expressed his disappointment in Siohvaughn for trying to challenge Zaya's identity and tarnish his reputation. Wade mentioned that she always puts herself and her needs first, without considering the well-being of their children. He shared that his only wish was to have uninterrupted parenting time, knowing that it would be tough for their kids to adjust to their new situation.

He continued, “Instead of actively trying to coparent over the years, she has spent more time seeing lawyers and talking to them since I filed for divorce, than she has spent truly listening to Zaya or spending time with her at home."

In February 2023, it was confirmed that a judge had approved Zaya's request to legally change her name and gender.

Editor's P/S:

I am deeply moved by the unwavering support and love that Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have shown for their daughter, Zaya. Their commitment to fostering a safe and accepting environment for Zaya to explore her identity is truly inspiring. Wade's open and honest conversations about his parenting journey have educated and enlightened countless individuals on the importance of respecting and embracing the LGBTQ+ community.

The legal challenges faced by Zaya highlight the ongoing need for trans youth to have their rights protected. The actions of Zaya's mother, Siohvaughn Funches, serve as a reminder of the obstacles that trans individuals can encounter in their pursuit of self-acceptance. However, Zaya's successful name and gender change petition is a testament to the resilience and determination of the trans community. It is essential that society continues to work towards fostering a world where every individual is valued and respected for who they are. interests first.