Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union pay emotional tribute to trans daughter Zaya and thank her for ‘leading us in our journey’
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union heaped praise on their daughter Zaya (Facebook/GLAAD)
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union were the picture of proud parents as they honoured their trans daughter Zaya at the 2020 GLAAD Media Awards.
The celebrity power couple gave a pre-recorded message to present the award for outstanding drama series to FX’s Pose, just days after its trans actors were snubbed in the nominations for this year’s Emmy Awards.
As they did so they used their platform to celebrate Zaya and to thank her for expanding their view of the world.
“We stand as allies with the LGBT+ community as proud parents of a transgender child,” the former NBA star said, alongside his wife.
“Our daughter Zaya is leading us in our journey, and we’re doing all we can to give every one of our kids the ability to live their truth.
“I didn’t always understand how to do that – but I want to thank Zaya for teaching me, and GLAAD for elevating the images and messages that accelerate acceptance in every family.”
Union continued: “That message means even more to us now as we raise all of our Black children.
“Black lives matter, and Black trans lives matter. We’re calling on all of our racial justice warriors out there to open your hearts and your minds to the LGBT+ community so that we can work together, and empower each other, and save lives.”
It’s fitting that the award they presented went to Pose, as the couple had previously reached out to the cast for advice after Zaya came out as transgender.
Their heartwarming pre-recorded message was one of several given at the ceremony as the GLAAD Media Awards went virtual for the first time in its 31-year history.
Along with Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, the star-studded event also included appearances and speeches from Dolly Parton, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, Jennifer Garner, Lena Waithe and Lilly Singh.
Awards went to rapper Lil Nas X, the sitcom Schitt’s Creek and the Olivia Wilde film Booksmart, among others.
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Mom and dad ready to present at the #GLAADawards. Tonight, we celebrate ? 5pm PT / 8pm ET @glaad
