Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union Accept ‘Humbling’ NAACP Honor After Daughter Zaya’s Legal Name Change

usmagazine.com:

Fighting the good fight. Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade were honored with the President’s Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 25.The former NBA player, 41, and the Bring It On actress, 50, delivered a speech that honored Wade’s daughter Zaya, 15, who publicly came out as transgender in 2020.

The teen was granted a legal name and gender change on Friday, February 24.“We stand up here today as two people who have worked tirelessly to have resources and access,” Wade told the crowd while accepting the award, which recognizes special achievement and distinguished public service. “As two people willing to use our microphones for what we believe and what other families are going through.

I’m intentional when I use my platform. I recognize what I have been given, and it is my job to uplift the voices of others and share my access and resources.”The former athlete then directed his words to Zaya, whom he shares with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. “Zaya, as your father, all I’ve wanted to do was get it right,” the Chicago native said. “I’ve sat back and watched how gracefully you have taken on the public scrutiny.

And even though it’s not easy, I watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself. I admire how you handle the ignorance in our world … that you face every day.