Dwyane Wade Left Florida to Protect His Trans Daughter Zaya
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Dwyane Wade has opened up about his reasons for moving out of Florida. In a recent interview with Rachel Nichols, the retired NBA star, who is father to 20-year-old transgender daughter Zaya, said that anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the state made it increasingly difficult for his family to remain, and that his children's safety was his top priority. This, he implied, was one of the primary concerns behind his and wife Gabrielle Union's decision to sell their $22 million Miami Beach property and relocate.
"What do you have to say to some of those state legislators who maybe have your jersey in their closets, who came and brought their kids to your game to cheer for you?" asked Nichols, to which Wade had a simple reply.
"That's another reason why I don't live in that state," he said. "A lot of people don't know that. I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions."
"I mean, obviously, the tax is great, having Wade County is great," he continued. "But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And so that's one of the reasons why I don't live there."
Wade has been a continued public advocate for Zaya and for LGBTQ+ rights, having previously stated in 2019 that "nothing changes with my love". More recently in February 2023, the former Miami Heat guard delivered an impassioned speech praising Zaya's strength while accepting the President's Award alongside Gabrielle Union at the NAACP Image Awards.
"Zaya, as your father, all I've wanted to do is get it right," he said. I've sat back and watched how gracefully you've taken on the public scrutiny. And even though it's not easy, I watched you walk out of that house every morning as yourself. I admire how you've handled ignorance in our world. I admire it that you face every day. To say that your village is proud of you is an understatement."
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