Dwyane Wade says his daughter knew she was trans at 3 years old

Gabrielle Union + Dwyane Wade have been blended family goals, an inspiration to those struggling with infertility and now they are an inspiration to parents of trans kids and supporters of trans rights.

Earlier this month Wade appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and spoke about his 12-year-old daughter Zaya coming out as transgender and Union posted a beautiful video + caption to Instagram, inviting fans to “meet Zaya.”

This week Wade appeared on Good Morning America, explaining that Zaya has known she was transgender since she was 3 years old.

“Zaya has known it for nine years,” the proud dad said on GMA, adding that he credits Zaya (who was assigned as male at birth) with educating him and helping him grow.

“I knew early on that I had to check myself… I’ve been a person in the locker room that has been a part of the conversation that has said the wrong phrases and the wrong words myself,” he told GMA’s Robin Roberts. “My daughter was my first interaction when it comes to having to deal with this conversation…Hopefully I’m dealing with it the right way… Inside our home we see the smile on my daughter’s face, we see the confidence that she’s able to walk around and be herself and that’s when you know you’re doing right.”

It sure seems like Wade and Union have been doing it right. When Union posted a video to Instagram earlier this month introducing Zaya it was clear the tween’s dad and step-mom have her back.

In the video Zaya is riding in a golf cart with her dad and dropping wisdom. She says: “Just be true to yourself, because what’s the point of even living on this earth if you’re going to try to be someone you’re not?…Be true and don’t really care what the ‘stereotypical’ way of being you is.”

Union was so impressed by her step-daughter, captioning the video: “She’s compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people.”

Later in the week Union addressed criticism of Zaya’s transition on Twitter, writing: “This has been a journey. We’re still humbly learning but we decided quickly w/ our family that we wouldn’t be led by fear. We refuse to sacrifice the freedom to live authentically becuz we are afraid of what ppl might say. U have the ability to learn & evolve.”

Zaya’s big brother is also on her side. Newly 18-year-old Zaire posted the cutest throwback pic from when he and Zaya were just little kids, noting how the siblings were and are best friends.

“Man, I remember bugging my mom as a kid telling her I wanted a brother so bad. I was the only child looking for company and someone to look after and take care of,” Zaire began his caption. “I have been blessed to have my best friend, Zaya with me for 12 years. We did everything together … we fought, we played, we laughed and we cried. But the one thing we never did was leave each other behind.”

Zaire continued: “I’ve told you that I would lay my life down to make sure you are ten toes down and happy on this earth,” he told his younger sibling. “I don’t care what they think Z, you are my best friend and I love you kid, and if it means anything, just know there’s no love lost on this side ✊ “

We are so impressed and inspired by the love Zaya’s family is showing her (and other kids by sharing this story publicly). You’ve got this Zaya!

[A version of this story was posted February 12, 2020. It has been updated.]

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