Zaya Wade, the 17-year-old daughter of NBA superstar Dwayne Wade, is making waves once again. This time, she’s been named to Out Magazine’S highly coveted Out100 list for 2024, which honors the year’s most influential LGBTQ+ figures
Zaya was named one of the 2024 OUT100 for her significant impact as a young LGBTQ+ advocate. Celebrated for her courage in embracing her identity and for being a powerful voice for transgender youth, Zaya has inspired many by openly sharing her journey and experiences.
Her inclusion in the OUT100 highlights her role in promoting visibility, acceptance, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as her influence in challenging societal norms. This recognition not only honors her individuality but also emphasizes the importance of representation and advocacy in today’s society.
Zaya came out as a member of the LBGTQ+ community when she was 12 years old. Now at 17, she and her father are dedicated to ensuring that other transgender youth have a safe and accepting place to go with the creation of the Translatable Project, an online safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their support systems. The teen admits that the Translatable Project is her proudest accomplishment of the year, and even her life.
“Being able to do something I love with my dad makes it even more impactful for me, and I hope for all trans families,” she told the outlet.
She added, “Honestly, my biggest joy and biggest obstacle is being trans in front of the whole world,” she adds. “…It has challenged me every single day, and given me the opportunity to grow beyond heights I never thought I could reach.”
Zaya Wade is the eldest daughter of NBA legend Dwayne Wade and stepmother, Gabrielle Union. In addition to Zaya, Wade also also shares 22-year-old son Zaire, with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. The NBA Hall of Famer is also father to five-year-old daughter, Kaavia James, with whom he shares with his wife, Gabrielle Union.
Photo: Zaya Wade Instagram