Dwyane Wade Recalls 'Proud' Moment His 12-Year-Old Officially Came Out As Transgender

Dwyane Wade should really teach a masterclass in parenting at this point!

During a new interview with Ellen DeGeneres on Tuesday, the retired NBA star opened up about the first time his 12-year-old came out as transgender to him and wife Gabrielle Union, and we couldn’t be more touched by the couple’s supportive response!

The 38-year-old athlete kicked things off by explaining how the support for his daughter Zaya extends to all members of the LGBTQ+ community:

“Me and my wife, my wife Gabrielle Union…we are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community and we’re proud allies as well. We take our roles and responsibility as parents very seriously.”

Wade continued:

“When our child comes home with a question, when our child comes home with an issue, when our child comes home with anything, it’s our job as parents to listen to that, to give them the best information that we can, the best feedback that we can. And that doesn’t change because sexuality is now involved in it.”

Dwyane and Gabby’s mature and loving approach to parenting really set the stage for the preteen to share her truth and come out as Zaya:

“I don’t know if everybody knows, originally named Zion… Zion, born as a boy, came home and said, ‘Hey, so I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I am ready to live my truth. I want to be referenced as ‘she’ and ‘her.’ I would love for you guys to call me Zaya.'”

The father of four said he immediately embraced his daughter’s new identity and autonomy:

“I looked at her and said, ‘You are our leader. You are our leader and this is our opportunity to allow you to be a voice.’ Right now, it’s through us because she’s 12 years old, but eventually, it will be through her.”

Members of the Wade family rocking t-shirts that say "Please Remain Inclusive & Dedicated to Equality " in support of the LGBTQ+ community. — Members of the Wade family rocking t-shirts that say “Please Remain Inclusive & Dedicated to Equality ” in support of the LGBTQ+ community. / (c) Dwyane Wade/Instagram

Now THAT is what we call good parenting!! We can’t help but think about all of the kids out there still struggling with their gender or sexual identity in spaces that aren’t welcoming to them and hope they encounter this kind of acceptance someday.

As for Zaya, her parents are fiercely committed to doing everything they can to foster her growth and development:

“Now it’s our job to one, go out and get information, to reach out to every relationship that we have. My wife reached out to everybody on the cast of Pose. We’re just trying to figure out as much information as we can to make sure that we give our child the best opportunity to be her best self.”

WATCH him speak straight from the heart in the full clip (below):