Zaya Wade, the transgender daughter of Dwyane Wade, was just granted a legal name and gender change, according to TMZ. Moreover, on Friday (February 25), they reported that a Los Angeles county judge approved the 15-year-old's legal identity. Furthermore, this comes after her "proud" father Dwyane petitioned the court, which he first did in August of 2022. Now, in legal terms after coming out as trans in 2020, Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade is a female. While it might anger the most bigoted or close-minded of individuals, this is an important step in Zaya affirming her identity and being recognized as she wishes in the legal sense.
Dwyane had Zaya with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches back in 2007. While Zaya's become an outspoken voice for trans rights and gender education, her parents had differing approaches to her identity. Moreover, the couple divorced in 2010 after eight years of marriage. The retired NBA star advocated for Zaya's right to “live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life." However, Funches accused him of pressuring their daughter's transition "in order to capitalize on financial opportunities."
Zaya Wade Granted Legal Female Identity
Still, the 41-year-old former basketball player called such claims "nonsensical" in a November 2022 filing. “While it certainly would have been preferable for Zaya’s mother to be supportive of this important part of Zaya’s journey, Zaya should not be forced to put her life on hold while she waits for Siohvaughn to acknowledge and accept her truth," he stated. Also, he said that his daughter's legal transition is in her “best interest. From simple introductions and food orders, to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.”
Meanwhile, Funches- who used her daughter's dead name "Zion"- said she wanted Zaya to wait until age 18 to transition. Afterwards, Wade once again expressed issue with this mentality. “I’m very disappointed that [Funches] continuously finds ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children,” he wrote on social media. Regardless of your take, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Dwyane and Zaya Wade.
