Zaya Wade, the 17-year-old trailblazer and transgender rights advocate, was honored at the Out100 2024 event. This marks yet another milestone in her journey of self-expression and activism. The annual event celebrating influential LGBTQ+ figures spotlighted Zaya Wade’s groundbreaking advocacy, with her parents, Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, standing proudly by her side.
The Wades: A Family United in Advocacy
Zaya first came out as transgender in 2020, when she was 12 years old. However, during a 2020 Good Morning America interview, her father shared that Zaya knew she was transgender by the age of 3. “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.”
It seems like the father and former NBA star figured it out. In the past 4 years, the Wades have appeared publicly as a family, at numerous events with Zaya Wade. Wade’s second-born is now a model and activist, all before graduating high school.
On this week’s red carpet, Zaya shined in a black Ronny Kobo Lena Jacket Dress with leopard accents, Mary Jane heels, and gold jewelry. Dwayne and Gabrielle—both dressed to impress—were visibly proud of their daughter.
Zaya, a prominent voice for trans youth, spoke about the significance of being honored at Out100. “These are icons in queer media. This is my celebrity freakout. I’m so honored to be honored,” she gushed to a reporter on the red carpet.
Translatable: A Shared Mission for Advocacy
The evening also spotlighted Translatable, a collaborative initiative led by Dwayne and Zaya. The project is an online space dedicated to uplifting trans youth. The website seeks to provide resources, mentorship, and storytelling opportunities for transgender individuals. It’s also an informational hub for their parents and allies.
In an interview with People back in May 2024, Dwayne Wade shared his thoughts on Zaya.
She didn’t ask for this extra excitement in life. She just wanted to be a kid and do kid things and live her life and be selfish and worry about herself. That’s what you’re supposed to do at her age, worry about you. But she’s thinking about a larger community, and so I’m damn proud of her as a father.
Translatable’s launch has already garnered widespread praise, with its focus on education and advocacy filling a critical gap in the resources available to trans youth. Through this initiative, the Wades hope to not only amplify trans voices but also encourage conversations around inclusivity and acceptance.
Celebrating Zaya Wade And Her Future
Zaya’s recognition at Out100 is a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her family. It also highlights the ongoing need for equality and acceptance for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Trans youth, who face disproportionate challenges, require even greater support and advocacy.
Zaya shared with Out100:
Honestly, my biggest joy and biggest obstacle is being trans in front of the whole world … It has challenged me every single day, and given me the opportunity to grow beyond heights I never thought I could reach.
With Zaya’s voice leading the conversation and initiatives like Translatable providing critical resources, the future for trans youth holds promise. The Out100 Gala is more than a celebration of Zaya’s achievements. It’s recognition of the collective progress made by a community tirelessly fighting for love, acceptance, and equality. Other honorees of the night included Victoria Monét, Cynthia Erivo, and TS Madison.
When asked about her aspirations for 2025, Zaya responded, “I’m manifesting so much progress for Translatable.” On a personal note, she added, with fingers crossed, “Also, that I get into a good college!”
