Dwyane Wade recently shared his journey as a parent during his daughter Zaya’s coming out and transition. Speaking at the CAA Amplify Summit, Wade opened up about his initial reaction and the growth he experienced throughout this process.
Wade recalled the moment when he and his wife Gabrielle Union first learned about Zaya’s identity. It was in 2016 when Zaya was around eight years old and had an openly gay teacher who assigned a project to talk about oneself. Zaya opened up about her feelings and experiences, and her teacher informed the parents.
While Wade and Union had been preparing for this conversation since Zaya was three years old, Wade realized that his daughter was afraid to talk to him about it. He described his reaction as a dad who believed he was open and accepting, saying, “I think I’m just the dad that’s like, ‘Hey, come and tell me anything. I’m a cool dad.’” However, seeing the fear in Zaya’s face made him question his own actions and realize that he hadn’t created a safe space for her to share her true self.
This realization prompted Wade to reassess himself as a parent. He looked at himself in the mirror and asked why his child was scared to tell him something about herself. This introspection led Wade to understand that he needed to do better and support Zaya fully in her journey.
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Wade also addressed the role of social media during Zaya’s coming out and transition. He acknowledged that there was a lot he didn’t know about his daughter’s experiences and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Wade emphasized the importance of communication and listening, noting that Zaya had done her own research and had the knowledge and language to express herself. He learned to be a better listener and let his daughter take the lead in defining her identity.
One particular challenge Wade mentioned was dealing with opinions from people outside their circle. He emphasized the need to shut out the world and disregard the opinions of those who are not directly involved. Wade and his family focused on their own journey and creating an environment where Zaya could flourish.
The CAA Amplify Summit, where Wade shared his experiences, featured other panels and notable speakers. Actresses and recording artists Chloe and Halle Bailey were interviewed during a separate panel. They discussed the challenges of growing up in the public eye, including the comments they receive about their bodies and race. They shared their strategies for navigating public opinions and detaching from social media to create a protective “force field” around themselves.
Chloe and Halle emphasized the importance of not letting outside opinions dictate their lives or creative choices. They acknowledged the hurtful comments they receive but stated that self-control and ignoring hurtful things are essential. They also mentioned that learning to ignore negative comments is an ongoing process.
The CAA Amplify Summit brought together artists, thought-leaders, and executives of color from various industries, including entertainment, sports, media, brands, and technology. Lupita Nyong’o, Yara Shahidi, Ava DuVernay, and other influential figures were among the attendees and speakers.
Dwyane Wade’s openness about his journey as a parent during his daughter’s coming out and transition is an essential part of fostering understanding and acceptance. His journey of self-reflection and growth serves as a valuable example for other parents and individuals going through similar experiences. By creating a safe and supportive environment, Wade is demonstrating the importance of listening, education, and affirming one’s true identity.
