Gabriel Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade shared an emotional message to their daughter, Zaya, calling for justice for trans black people as they face the President’s Award at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday.
“We stand here today as two people who have worked tirelessly to get resources and access. As two people who are willing to use our microphones for what we believe and what other families are going through,” said the former NBA player. “I am intentional when I use my platform. I acknowledge what I have been given, and it is my job to raise the voices of others and share my access and resources.
Wade then turned to his daughter, who came out as transgender in 2020, to share a touching message. “Zaya, as your father, I just wanted to get it right,” he added. “I sat back and watched how gracefully you took the public criticism. And even though it’s not easy, I watched you walk out of the house every morning feeling like yourself. I admire how you deal with the ignorance in our world… that you face every day. To say your village is proud of you is an understatement.”
He continued, “Thank you for showing me there is more than one way to communicate effectively. You taught me that communication with your mouth is not enough. I also have to communicate with my two ears and my two eyes. As your father, it’s not my job to create a version of myself or direct your future. My role is to be a facilitator for your hopes, your wishes and your dreams.”
Wade’s words come a day later People reported that Zaya had been given an official name change and gender assignment, according to court documents.
Once Union-Wade stepped in front of the microphone, she took the opportunity to raise awareness of the issues faced by her stepdaughter and other black trans people. “It is humbling to stand here surrounded by friends and heroes, OGs and icons, all working to advance the lives of black people and pay respect to an organization that has taken us through more than a century of relentless challenge, pain , triumph and change,” she said. “And now we are at the foot of a whole new era of activism. A new era that requires our collective answer to one simple question: shall we fight for some, or shall we fight for all of our people?
She continued, “Let’s state some hard truths. First, the intersection of black rights and the rights of the LGBTQIA, trans and gender nonconforming people remains rough – that’s a huge understatement. Even as we demand equality at the top of our lungs, we consistently fail to expand our advocacy to protect some of our most vulnerable among us. And second, black transgender people are being targeted, terrorized and hunted in this country every day, everywhere. And it is rarely whispered about.
The Truth be told actress decided to call through her strong words to find a solution. “Frankly, we don’t approach this work as activists or leaders as much as parents. Parents who love our children and will do everything they can to keep them seen, secured and safe. This is a conversation worth having in a way that actually builds bridges; who do not fan the flame of hatred or division; that do not allow legislators or legal systems to look the other way when black transgender people are attacked; who do not cause more young people to hate themselves or to harm themselves; that people don’t die. So we are humbled and we are hopeful for the future. I’m hopeful, we’re hopeful that we can witness a real shift in the fight for justice, the moment the movement makes room for everyone.”