Why Daughter Zaya Is ‘Not Celebrating’ Pride This Year

Focusing on what’s important. Dwyane Wade opened up about why his 14-year-old daughter Zaya’s plans for Pride may look a little different this year.

“My family, we’re not celebrating. Zaya made it quite clear that she did not celebrate. [doesn’t]Pride should be celebrated. I think every day for her, having a loving, supportive community around her is her celebratory moment,” Wade, 40, exclusively told Us WeeklyThe Time 100 Gala in New York City, Wednesday, June 8

The ex-NBA player pointed out that his family has other ways to honor the LGBTQIA+ community. “But the biggest thing is my daughter said, ‘We want to be able to help other families,’” he added. “So throughout our foundations we try to make sure we are helping the LGBTQIA+ community. That’s how we celebrate.”


Dwyane Wade and Zaya
John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Wade shares daughter Zaya, 20 with his ex-wife, and son Zaire (20 with him). Siohvaughn Funches. The athlete is also the father of son Xavier, age 8, whom he shares his life with Aja Metoyer.Wade and his wife, Wade, were married in November 2018. Gabrielle UnionKaavia was born via a surrogate to the couple.

According to the professional basketball player, he shares a special bond with each of his children. “Unfortunately, right now Kaavia has a lot of me in her and she’s giving us the flux because of it. But I think when it comes to your kids, I think different journeys and different places in life you see the different parents,” he explained to Us. “You see the different personalities come out of different parents and so I think they have a little bit of everyone in them and you just look for your percentage and you hope that the good percentage of you come out.”

Dwyane Wade Explains Why Daughter Zaya Is Not Celebrating Pride This Year

Dwyane Wade
Kristina Bumphrey/Shutterstock

The Illinois native also gushed about his youngest daughter’s latest milestones. “She’s become this makeup artist through herself. You know, she puts her own makeup on and when she’s playing around, she has her little makeup set, a little glitter that she just puts on her eyes and, you know, it’s just an everyday thing,” Wade added, joking, “I didn’t know she was going to be a makeup artist but at three, she’s gonna hook everybody up.”

While reflecting on the special moments, Wade replied “hopefully not” when asked about plans for more kids.

The father of a transgender son, a former Miami Heat player, opened up about his fears earlier this month. “As blessed as it is for my daughter to have parents who can support her, I’m still afraid every moment she leaves the house,” he told CNNTuesday, June 7. “And not just because of gun violence, but because of the way people perceive her in this world.”

Wade added: “To me, it’s a joke. This is our life. This is how we live. When you’re out there making rules, if you’re not experiencing this. Live a day with me. Come and see how it is to walk through this world as her.”

Diana Cooper reports

Listen to Us Weekly’s Hot Hollywood as the editors of Us break down each week’s top entertainment news stories!
Listen on Google Play Music