Photo: Zaya Wade/instagram; getty
Zaya Wadeis opening up about her biggest inspiration in life.
Speaking toHarper Bazaarfor their Icons for 2023 series, the daughter of basketball legendDwyane Wade, 41, says her father influences her the most. “My dad is who truly inspires me the most,” she tells the publication.
“Kids always tend to look up to their parents, but not only did I idolize him growing up and see him as a real person, I realize that he has played such an essential role in supporting me and the ways I choose to present myself to the world.”
“He’s been so supportive and my biggest advocate. He took the time and learned and grew. I want to have that same mentality going through anything in life,” says Zaya, 16.
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“Coming out is such a big change. It’s hard to navigate. We’ve all learned more about each other and the way we can coexist and grow together in this crazy world, especially in the public eye.”
“It’s like a spotlight is always on you. At the end of the day though, we are a family, and we support and love each other and we are grateful,” she concludes.
The LGBTQ advocate is the daughter of Wade and ex Siovaughn Funches. The basketball player also shares son Zaire, 21, with Funches, and has son Xavier, 9, with ex Aja Metoyer. In 2018, Wade and his wifeGabrielle Unionwelcomed daughter Kaavia James, 4. He is also the legal guardian of his nephew, Dahveon Morris, 21.
On Saturday, Zayahonored the retired Miami Heat starafter hisinduction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “My dad is a Hall of Famer 🖤 I’ve never been more proud in my life to know someone as kind, loving, and accepting as he is,” she wrote.
“He is one of my best friends. I love you dad 🫶🏾.”
This past year, Wade gave anemotional speechat theNAACPImage Awards when Wade and Union accepted the President’s Award. The two used the opportunity to speak about championing the fight forLGBTQrights, giving the speech just one day after Zaya’slegal name change and gender assignment.
“Zaya, as your father, all I’ve wanted to do is get it right. I’ve sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on the public scrutiny,” he said. “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.”
He continued: “As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future. My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, your wishes, your dreams.”
source: people.com
