Ashley Gonzalez

March 9, 2023

Why was this such an important moment?

Zaya Wade publicly came out as transgender in 2020. Ever since she has been living life, authentically her. We live in a society that frowns upon being different. Receiving millions of hateful comments, the media tried to tear this young woman down. But to no avail they were unsuccessful. Booking modeling campaigns for high- end brands such as, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, and the list goes on. She is the definition of booked and busy, something all models and people aspire to be. 

The love and support she received from her family guided her along this journey. Zaya was not the only person who was under fire about her transition. Having two parents that are heavily seen in the public eye leads to a large amount of judgment. The parenting of Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union has been put under a microscope. Primarily through a lens of bigotry. People tend to judge things that they wish they had. 

Who is to say that 13 is too early to begin transitioning? Society can accept the response, “When you know, you know”, but only when it is coming from a place of heteronormativity. I’ll admit that it is hard to understand things that you have never experienced. But it is way easier to mind the business that pays you. Tearing down a child and their parents for loving them unconditionally will never sit right with me. Giving “scientific” advice on the right age to transition, when you aren’t educated in the subject, will never sit right with me. Bullying people who don’t affect your life in the slightest, will NEVER sit right with me. 

The Wade’s represent the strength that can be translated through support. They made a decision as parents to back Zaya in her transition. Not because of what others may think of them but because of what Zaya will think of them. The love between parents and their children should be unconditional. We see parents pushing their kids to be something that their friends will be proud of. Instead of pushing their children to be the version themselves that make them proud. 

Acceptance is a vital part of being a good parent. It is impossible to know what your daughters will be like when they are born. Some will be artists, teachers, scientists, mothers. Some will choose not to have children, and some won’t be able to have children. Some will be born disabled, some could get sick and will need your love and support to fight. You will never know, because the possibilities are endless.

Zaya Wade is an inspiration. Not only to transgender people. To all people who struggle with embracing their truest self. She shows us all that it is okay to be unapologetically you. Breaking barriers and standing proud, she represents the Black Trans Community. 

Happy National Women’s month to ALL women. To those who were assigned at birth and to those who discovered the beauty of womanhood later in life. In a world where they try to silence women, we must take what is ours and speak up for our sisters who have not found their voice yet. Be the loudest in the room, for you but also for them.

We only get one life. It can be here today and gone tomorrow. Be proud of who you are. Live in your light. Not in the shadows of judgement. Love yourself before the opinions of others.