Dwyane Wade’s Candid Talk About Supporting His 12-Year-Old's Gender Identity

Dwyane Wade candidly chatted with Ellen about embracing his 12-year-old's gender identity, and how he and his wife Gabrielle Union made it a priority to educate themselves about the LGBTQ+ community to give Zaya the opportunity to be her best self. The NBA star also opened up about the passing of his friend Kobe Bryant.
#DwyaneWade
#TheEllenShow
#EllenDeGeneres

[@alexnice2221]

Who is here before comments get turned off

[@wonduxx5355]

The problem with being famous is everybody knows your personal life and has an opinion about it.

[@austinbigbabyjohnson4984]

wondu xx yea there opinion is not asked

[@williamesneyderg]

It comes with it

[@deronreed2945]

EXCATLY

[@richardmanuel9812]

He wants it that way

[@naomiej1031]

I’m surprised the comments are on.

[@cristianhagen2334]

You can clearly see that ellen thinks highly of this man. The admiration is very visible on her face.

[@qurria8335]

He said “my wife you know Gabrielle umm... union” lol I’ll brag

[@caminokid2656]

Big deal🙄

[@marinafarag2001]

Dwayne wade is so well spoken. Like he is such a genuine person who takes his role as a father, husband, athlete and public figure so seriously and I’m so happy to see a young black man being that role modle to so many Young kids

[@dontilisha]

Kudos to Dwayne and Gabrielle❤

[@shewright2442]

Marina Farag because a blk man can’t be well spoken? 🙄🙄🙄 shocker!!!

[@tyeshiakelly6595]

@Sho Dog I was thinking the same thing

[@maxmx767]

Marina Farag What do you mean? Well spoken? It’s a surprise? Because he is black?

[@paytonhugee2159]

He got some strong genes cause all his children look like clones

[@Richard-lh3te]

It’s very refreshing to see a black family love on their trans child this way. Some may argue race isn’t a factor but just take a look at statistics of homeless trans children, an overwhelming number of them are black youth and black trans women are at highest risk of being murdered. I hope Dwyane knows how far reaching this acceptance will go not just for their child but for our community as well.

[@Anamer22]

Well said 👏👏

[@ashleyrivers1232]

Amen! Beautifully said and absolute facts.

[@Richard-lh3te]

J Blessed Zaya is simply the child of public figures, she was born into the limelight and did nothing to receive the attention and criticism she’s subjected to.

[@Karina-guerra18]

Seeing a black parent, love support and understand their child is so beautiful

[@ashleymoore484]

Yeeesssss!

[@WoogieboogieOG]

Yeah because it’s rare for them too

[@brendajohnson1]

You should see the rest of them, there's plenty in a culture of millions of people.

[@Karina-guerra18]

Brenda Johnson I know, being a POC and seeing my friends especially those who do not have the same culture, color and economic equality as white people or white passing people is BEAUTIFUL to see their parents loving and support them in this raw world

[@laurencameron3150]

Woogieboogie How do you know it’s rare? Where did you get that information from?

[@kendyllhall682]

Ok I understand wanting to be a transgender but do u really think a 12 year old kid really knows what they want to be without even exploring in the world to find your true self

[@TheDarinH21]

One doesn't "want" to be transgender (which is an adjective not a noun btw), one is born transgender whether they want to be or not. It's fortunate for Zaya that she has come to that clarity at a young enough age that she doesn't have to experience the struggle of gender identity crisis throughout her teenage years (like many trans people do) and her transition will be much easier as well. It's not about a 12 year old knowing "what they want to be", it's about them knowing who they are, which clearly Zaya does and it's none of your concern to question.

[@caroleafletcher9028]

At 12🤔 ..I don't think I would be able to grasp this on any level as a parent espically spiritually..but to each it's own

[@Ascs122]

Yep his son needs physiological help and they are accepting this 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@nyasha2432]

me and my wife. My wife Gabrielle. Gabrielle Union. I FELT THAT, I see what you are doing for others Lord.

[@Jorozco3708]

@Mike Cap I'm sure he doesnt usually say her full name in normal conversation so its alittle awkward

[@byiza9484]

Yeah because Zion mom’s voice may be different from Gabby’s on this situation.

[@nyasha2432]

nah. The "couple goals" of it is what I was admiring. LOL

[@lca9486]

MissMak 14 wasn't that deep. He making sure we know he's not talking about the REAL mother

[@nyasha2432]

@@lca9486 lol it kinda was deep. FOR ME lol

[@chosenelite762]

Is it ok for me to disagree?

[@cynthiiae]

The comment section is open?! 😱

[@Quiksilver718]

D Wade looked like he was gonna cry when he was talking about Kobe. Soo sad! RIP KOBE!!

[@mr23jordan233]

Let kids be kids, smdh

[@NAL948]

It’s mind blowing that who ever the child’s real mother is, is not mentioned AT ALL. My wife this and Gabrielle that🙄

[@KrazyMuzik901]

I don't agree with this dude.

[@catholicrenewed6928]

Krazy Muzik me either

[@cutie264567]

Krazy Muzik good thing nobody asked for your opinion 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@bryce2588]

Yeah we live in a world where we applaud a parent for loving their child. Dont get me wrong, I am sooooo glad that Dwayne is being an all-out supporter but I hope for the day that it is natural to love our children no matter what they identify.

[@damageying4233]

A parent supporting a child is normal. A parent supporting a child in an "unfavorable" position is what is special about this situation

[@bryce2588]

@@damageying4233 special for now. I hope in the future that this will ne normalized

[@along58]

I feel you on that!

[@aden2447]

Bryce Monang I Hope it isn’t. Just because he “feels” like a girl doesn’t mean we should lie and say he’s a girl. He was born a man and will always be that. Being feminine and “feeling” like girl does make you one.

[@m.d.5050]

Yes its natural and normal for a parent to love their child. It's sad that people don't understand that so we have to applaud those that do.

[@LinFei]

I'm glad Dwyane and Gabrielle are giving her all the love and support to their daughter Zaya👏

[@jonnoibeckford2490]

Daughter?

[@terbyern2807]

jonnoi beckford Yes, daughter.

[@illyriumus2938]

It is impressive (in a negative way) how all comments that antagonize what you said are men :( ! Dwyane is a hero dad! I would do the same if that was my kid but it helps to see an alpha male put his own ego aside and stand for his child! And fortunately, Dwayne has the means and resources to assist her with the transition process. However, I cannot help it but wonder how hard it is for parents who have a pay-check to pay check type of life to do the same.

[@jvstinr6033]

That's not Gabrielle's kid, yea they support it and that's cool, but not one mention of the real mom and her perspective is just as important as theirs

[@TheDigitalKing82]

Lin Fei 😂😂😂

[@TheKrim111]

At the end of the day its his family their choices doesnt affect my life

[@realbrooklyn7995]

Not gonna lie, that is a tough situation for any parent. But at the end of the day, your responsibility as a parent is to love your child no matter what. Big ups to you D' wade and Gabriel.

[@misshglady4lyfe]

At twelve you don't know what you want. You still discovering yourself. For a kid of yours to say I want to be th opposite of what you created is just Soo ..............ughhh you know what imma keep my thoughts to myself but it's Wrong on Soo many levels. We the parents cannot just embrase that .. instead show them the right way.

[@terrylarry5149]

Yea keep to yourself

[@furkelnurkel]

Terry Larry shut up terry

[@terrylarry5149]

A black life is just as important as any other life. No harm in living with a respectable creed.

[@jadendaron]

All his kids look just like him that’s brazy their like twins

[@thesmileyeffect]

I love that he's embracing this and being a loving parent that seeks education version ignorance. He and Gabrielle are seeing a great example to us all.

[@andor3442]

I'm genuinely confused when it comes to this gender topic... I can't tell if people are just supporting to not be insensitive, or have we all simply been misinformed when it comes to gender/sexuality? I'm not against the LGBTQ community, but I'm confused as to how a child, born as a "He" can now just feel like a "She" without Media influence... Am I off track with this??

[@hannaht3536]

AND/OR yes you’re completely off track. Try educating yourself.

[@mcb7894]

Idc what anyone say you do not let your CHILD do this till they are 18 this is still a child

[@terrylarry5149]

This is worded wrong but It's a process and detransitioning exists

[@mcb7894]

I dont care if it's a process....its wrong....if he turn 16 and doesn't want to be a girl anymore then what destroy his body some more trying to become a boy again we can agree to disagree

[@terrylarry5149]

@@mcb7894 thats her battle. Dont you have kids? Worry bout yours. Be happy that this child was giving the opportunity of life. Especially "black life".

[@alexanderjackson8389]

@@terrylarry5149 we live in a society.. what someone does with their child can literally affect your child.

[@angelperez2049]

bro, no cap, that jacket is straight fire

[@jazmina3738]

My only thought watching this was “Wow, he spoke so eloquently and with so much love”.

[@byiza9484]

But Gabby is not his mom. What does his mom have to say? Where is her voice?

[@legorahma]

who cares? it's zaya's life, HER decision

[@teet3435]

I commend this MAN and his wife for accepting and loving their child no matter what. More families should be more supportive. The world is so cruel but with the love of family, it makes getting through the day bearable knowing you can go home and be loved without any judgements.

[@joesanders9781]

I definitely wouldn’t want my kid to do this, but there’s no way I’d love em any less. I’d love them the exact same and I won’t be constantly reminded them that “I don’t like this” blah blah blah. A child needs unconditional love from their parents I’m I’ll be there for em💚

[@ShelbyLu]

Surprise the comments are on

[@MrNikkimaxine]

Yeah I just found out that my mother and she will be working after the Thursday next Thursday should be on that time in Waze and every weekend

[@3D3LIA]

It’s one thing to love you kid and guide them in the right direction but it is something else to have to support everything they do.. you don’t have to support everything they do. And not supporting them in everything doesn’t mean you don’t love them. Inform yourself with the word of God and you’ll be able to guide and lead your children in the RIGHT way!

[@terrylarry5149]

What do you mean? And what does god say about trans ppl

[@TayClarkk]

Edelia Martinez understand that what you believe to be the “right” way is an opinion.

[@ameliel.7513]

2020 and people still believe in the religious fairytales

[@terrylarry5149]

@@ameliel.7513 ikr

[@phillipari296]

Em Lee and what fairytale do you believe in?

[@beautifulmind1834]

I Am A Number One ☝🏽 Advocate For Supporting All Children . My Question Is Okay . Reaching Out Too Like Minds Is Fine But Did You Reach Out Too Psychologist And Psychiatrist As Well . I’m The Type Of Parent I Need Too See Things From All Sides Then Compare Data 🤷‍♀️🙄

[@jacquelinekinyua4132]

Hi ellen watching from kenya

[@KagendoDevon]

🇰🇪

[@ianauki]

🇰🇪

[@sharonmusebe7109]

🇰🇪

[@suziephillips2320]

Oh what a beautiful family!!!! The wonderful support of Dwayne & Gabrielle is what every child needs!! Zia, sorry I don't know how you spell your name, I wish you the best of life!!

[@buteful25]

I think it’s amazing how much they are supporting their child. The only thing that is concerning to me is that at 12 no one really truly knows who they are. So this is a huge decision to make at that age. When I was around the same age I used to wish that I had blue eyes and long naturally straight hair. I didn’t truly understand who I was as a black female until I got older.

[@ellaj2253]

I love Ellen, she is so beautiful and I love that she gives peoples a plattform to express themself! ♥

[@AAsHHlEEy15]

Keep Zaya safe and away from the internet for as long as you can 🙏🏼

[@marilynjackson-blair9886]

Wow!

[@jasmineb5697]

D-Wade ur a great and supportive father, a great example of how parents should be of their kids no matters who they want to be and be their best self as you said 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️💜

[@cinnkiss1111]

Every one had the right to be happy love is love ❤️ he is a great dad and his wife is a great woman

[@cyberboy8681]

This is honestly so refreshing to see. Sexuality is such a taboo subject in the black community (I know from first hand experience). Being gay is one thing, but to come out as trans is considered the worst of the worst. So to see a prominent black male figure publicly expressing his unconditional acceptance of his daughter and solidarity to the LGBTQ+ is so amazing to see. Hopefully he has inspired others to lead by his example🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽xx

[@annie4761]

I love parents who support their children, I love the people who get supported! :D

[@adaaleide]

this is so important🥺 we love to see it!!

[@kpb2025]

They really are a beautiful family.

[@puzzlepeace]

What a great example of unconditional love! He is not loving or judging based upon his beliefs or how he lives his life but based upon compassion and genuine love !!! Thank you Dewayne Wade and Gabrielle Union for showing the world you strength and not just talking about it but being about it!!! ❤️🙏🏽

[@Unusualgroophy]

Not my life not my concern. Its HIS child and their life..do what makes you happy 🙂

[@tulfosakalam3225]

DWade is such a supportive dad and broadminded ✌👏👍😃😃😃

[@kenjac7109]

Nothing great about a Dad not allowing their child privacy during the most crucial years. What happens if he changes his mind??? The parents went public!!! Now what??? Let kids be kids.. just too young to make that kind of decision publicly... I don’t see this as a frat dad moment!!! I see this as him trying to keep relevant... sad day in America..

[@thewickedchicken82]

@@kenjac7109 I couldn't agree more!

[@Lovez411]

Shout out to supportive parents!! ❤

[@jasonups5386]

Best player :)) Glad he played for our Miami Heat 🔥 🔥

[@naughtygirlfriend5774]

Indeed ur both proud parents your are lucky to have you

[@katherineKnight143]

Be the best human you can be, and just be you!

[@planet-juicy]

I Wonder if Ellen ever reads our comments . Her soul is so beautiful ❤️

[@predatorsnhl1389]

Dwayne seems like a great father I only knew about the basketball player not the father off the court, great guy and hopefully I can be a dad like him one day

[@justice_rizzo]

*We need more caring, loving, understanding etc parents like the Wade's in this world. Love and accept y'all kids No Matter What!*

[@Tijaeunique]

He’s the definition of a parent .. loving what you brought into this world unconditionally.

[@rafthethinker4948]

I've met Dwayne and LeBro I'm in the hospitality biz), LeBron was quite a premodonna... Wade was so kind and humble.

[@mrigakshimazumdar1080]

let's understand the depth of the message shared in this video rather than competing as if who comments the earliest

[@JustJRR]

So grateful for this video and this family 💙

[@jessicajoseph6607]

Never stop love your child for who they’re , all they need is loveee!.

[@cas-ey1pp]

this makes my heart beam

[@nathanielododo6541]

Very well Ellen love is everything we all need in the world thank you for saying this to everyone that love is very good God see you and be with you Ellen we love you so much Ellen

[@elijahnlindaallen383]

This is probably the most mature way I've seen this situation handled.. Absolutely beautiful parenting and human interaction!!

[@guicho9000]

All-star player and All-star parent gotta love d-wade

[@Just-Princess]

D seems like a great dad

[@ew7554]

It is beautiful he is being a voice!

[@JoshWitte]

Gender identity has nothing to do with sexuality...

[@CelestialWriter01]

Love to the Wades!

[@t.e.burgos3263]

I wish I had had a father like this man. What a wonderful, supportive, loving, compassionate man.

[@jayd1426]

D Wade is an inspiration

[@pabloescobar3749]

Awwwww, this is so amazing to see & here. Always loved d wade♥️♥️♥️♥️love you ziah

[@boricuabaldyy]

DWADE 💙 thank you brother, this is special!

[@alexandradean8984]

I LOVE THAT HIS WIFE REACHED OUT TO POSE !!!’

[@haydenbrucker]

we stan 👏🏻 wish my dad was accepting :/

[@lezzgaw5522]

My favorite basketball player ever and the best host ever! 💕

[@laswift1581]

my opinion doesn't matter but i feel children should wait at least till they are teens to think about sexuality

[@autumnlynnxox]

Class act right there! 💕

[@Nathaniel2657]

🤮🤮

[@aacf24]

Wow, bravo!! 👏🏼 God bless them!!

[@trevinowens70]

Truth is there only one truth and one reality

[@Caliblack078]

Who is Yahdee Tye?????? Yo teezy

[@TheeincredibleDaisia]

He’s a great dad❤️🥰 zaya will always remember all that love & support

[@amandakatriana98]

Did anyone notice that Ellen said “what a special child SHE is” and D said “yes HE is”

[@MszRubii]

He said SHE

[@RavenCrowNeverSmiles666]

What a beautiful and open family Zaya is so lucky! She’s being raised with love!

[@dylanwelch7372]

Zion is lucky to have parents like he does

[@harleydavidson8380]

sg62068 pnwwoods he is what?? Kid the BOY medication

[@Starrgazed]

SHINING EXAMPLE OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE ❤️

[@kristinababic9671]

Šteta što ju mogu gledati samo preko KZbin - a 😔.... A gledam ju skoro svaki dan i obožavam ju 😊😊

[@Soupheast]

This would be SUPER difficult for me to do as a father. Much props to D Wade and Gabrielle, um... Union. I've always respected D Wade as a basketball player, leader and Champion, but my level of respect for him has Skyrocketed!

[@gemimacharleus4895]

Hello Ellen love ❤️ from Haiti 🇭🇹

[@tifiayiti937]

Gemima Charleus 🙋🏾‍♀️Ayitian 🇭🇹

[@gemimacharleus4895]

Tifi Ayiti 😊🇭🇹

[@sawdust6148]

Wow. Dewayne is handling this way better than I could have. That is a huge shift to get used to. He's brave

[@ChristinRiana]

i love this🥺💗

[@notoes9723]

Lots of people are mad because they didn’t have a dad like this

[@SimoneUmba]

This is beautiful👏👏👏

[@HappyHourGirlKola]

It’s good to have supportive parents

[@ladyliz9981]

Need more men like LeBron and Dwayne. They’re such great fathers and husbands 😩💕💕🙏🏾

[@StarZendonna1687]

That's what I called an incredible father.

[@oliviergahungu5787]

a very nice image of the NBA

[@kelseywashington7482]

I’m crying real tears 😭💕💕

[@Bilnation]

I appreciate Dwayne Wade because he changed my perspective on parenting

[@Nathaniel2657]

🤮🤮🤮

[@sarahshae1543]

Absolute legend, setting the standard 👏 beautiful family ❤️

[@christianlevi8499]

He is a legend in basketball not in moral value.

[@sarahshae1543]

Christian Levi Many would call him a hero, as I will

[@matthewshepard695]

That family is off their rocker