NAACP: Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade deliver powerful speech on Black trans equality
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade passionately called for a “new era of activism” for the Black trans community at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards.
On Saturday (25 February), the couple were honoured with the prestigious President’s Award for their continuous LGBTQ+ activism and unwavering support of their daughter, Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson told Variety that the Wades were chosen for “the way they stood up and are standing up” for Zaya, adding: “We have five kids — for me it’s very significant for a father to stand strong, a mother to stand strong in support of their child.” Wade began the speech with a tribute to his daughter, who legally changed her name to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade one day before the ceremony, saying “all I’ve wanted to do” as a “father” was to “get it right”. “I’ve sat back and watch how gracefully you’ve taken on a public scrutiny,” he explained of the transphobic vitriol that has followed Zaya since she came out as transgender. “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 the ignorance in our world. I admire that you face every day. To say that your village is proud of you is an understatement.” Wade said Zaya has “taught” him that “communication with my mouth isn’t enough, I have to also communicate with my two ears and my two eyes.” “As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future.
