DAZED - ZAYA WADE - Issue #279

Zaya Wade, a girl whose very public transition at the tender age of 12 became an emblem of living in one’s truth, is the future. The second child of former NBA Player Dwayne Wade and stepdaughter of actress and author Gabrielle Union has already become an activist, fashion darling and, now, cover girl.

Wade and Union have been fierce supporters of Zaya and have shown the world the magic that can happen when you cover your children in unconditional love and support. When they needed more information, they reached out to the cast of Pose. When Union took her stepdaughter to her first Pride event in 2021, Zaya wound up riding on a Bring It On-themed float with friends and family in tow. Through it all, they have been unwavering champions of her becoming. To see two Black cultural figures support their trans daughter is undeniably powerful.

In a moment when the American right is working overtime to push life-threatening bills targeting trans youth, stories like Zaya’s become imperative. To see her flourish and have autonomy over her life is a joy to witness. When we allow children the space to be themselves, it doesn’t mean that their lives are automatically a breeze or that they instantly get the answers to the Sats. What it does mean is that when they come home, no matter what strife is in the world, they come home to a foundation rooted in love. And that is a mighty ground to stand on.