Gabrielle Union Discusses Her Journey With Trans Stepdaughter, Zaya Wade
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In an interview with Buzzfeed, Gabrielle Union discusses life as a stepmom to Zaya Wade, who came out as transgender in 2019.
Wade, unlike many other trans teens who come out, has received immense public support from Union and her father Dwayne Wade. Unsurprisingly, critics found an issue with that.
Union defended her stepdaughter and told the publication, "It's important for us to live and love out loud. We didn't exactly understand why [supporting Zaya's trans identity] was a thing because ... we love all our kids out loud."
She went on to say that she recognizes that she is setting an example to those who are still hateful when others come out. It's important to remember that when it comes to one's identity, whether they're your child or not, you have to trust that they know best, even throughout their evolution.
"It's our job to be loving, compassionate, protective guides for our children, but their lives are their lives and we have to respect that," she said. "We do not believe in any kind of shaming for existing. That is bizarre, cruel [and] harmful."
Union shared a message to trans youth in need of support:
"There are people just like you that want you to win in life. And by win, I mean to survive and thrive. And we will find a way. We will not stop working for all of our freedom, our salvation, and our liberation — whether that's in Texas, Florida, Idaho, or all the other states that are basically trying to outlaw your existence, demonize and criminalize your parents for loving you. This will not stand. As long as I have air in my lungs, we will be fighting for you and I will not be alone and you are not alone."
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