Zaya Wade shares her own message of trans empowerment: “We aren’t going anywhere”
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, but it’s not often we get to hear directly from their daughter, Zaya.We’re not complaining — at 15, she needs to be protecting her peace as much as she wants — but it makes it all the more special when we get word from the Gen Z activist herself.In a new interview with Dazed, Zaya explores a whole host of topics: her dream prom dress designer, her first wig and heels, her Sweet 16 goals.
Of course, among the main points visited are those on her experience as a trans girl in our current climate.“There are some highs and some lows,” she says. “I mean, a lot of attention equals a lot more hate, a lot of transphobia, and [there is] a lot of pressure on me, but I’m also able to reach more people.”“The positives of having such an inclusive platform completely outweigh all of the negativity online, which my support system has enabled me to filter out.
It has allowed me to let in the positivity and distribute it to all of the trans people in the world who need a voice and give them a platform to get inspired to live with themselves without being afraid.”Her support system includes her superstar parents, who keep her social media respectably monitored and keep comments filtered.A post shared by Zaya Wade (@zayawade)“Dwayne Wade spoke a WORD.”Even in this moment of immense anti-trans legislation and posturing, this up-and-coming figure feels hopeful about where the community is heading.
She made sure to share a message of optimism with her fellow trans and nonbinary youth.“There are so many people out there,” she explains. “I wish I knew that as a kid because I felt so isolated, thinking there was no one else like me.
