Gabrielle Union supported her stepson at Miami Pride

Last Sunday, Miami Beach Pride Week culminated with a parade. Among those celebrating was Zion Wade, Dwyane Wade’s 11-year-old son. Dwayne himself was in Toronto for a Heat/Raptors game, but Zion’s stepmom, Gabrielle Union, and his 17-year old brother, Zaire, were there to support him:

Dwayne was there in spirit. He posted many of the photos to his own IG stories with captions like, “It’s a family thing” and “We support each other with Pride!” I don’t know much about Zion’s mother, but I know Dwayne was given sole custody of the boys after the divorce. As far as I have read, Zion’s mother was not at the celebration in Miami. The only reason to point this out is I have a friend whose son came out when he was 14. The mother is an Evangelical Christian and, although she hasn’t disowned her son, has not made it easy or pleasant for him. His stepmother, however, just like Gabrielle, has been a very vocal and proud supporter and it’s been so heartening to see. (Proud mom brag, these friends are big into the LA Football Club Pride organization and as soon as his friend came out, my son bought a LAFC Pride jersey and wore it to show his support. He was 13 at the time).

Teen Vogue noted that Zion has not publicly said how he identifies, which is why I have not included it. That is not important, what is important is that he has the full support of his family. Obviously, Zion benefits from that love and support but really, everyone does. By accepting our kids as who they are, we get to share fully as they grow into themselves. I love that the Wades let us share in this moment with them.

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Photo credit: WENN Photos and Twitter

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23 Responses to “Gabrielle Union supported her stepson at Miami Pride”

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  1. Alissa says:

    can I respectfully request that we change the headline that she supports her stepson rather than Dwyane Wade’s son? it sounds like she’s been in the mother role while they’ve been together, and I think it’s fair to have the headlines reflect that that’s her kid too.

  2. Sash says:

    My heart was full when I saw this on Instagram. What a lucky little guy, having so much love and support.

  3. Kittycat says:

    This is a lovely story on many levels.

  4. Kimmy says:

    I love this family more and more. I didn’t really know much about Gabrielle until she had her daughter and there were so many articles about her and the surrogacy. But seriously, her happiness and her family’s just all around love for each other is seriously infectious!

  5. Stacy Dresden says:

    Love this. Wonderful support. She is a beautiful person inside and out.

  6. grabbyhands says:

    I loved, loved, loved this story so much.

    I wish every kid has this much love and support from their families when coming out (Not that he has made such a declaration, but if/when he does).

    And yay for the proud mom brag! I would be telling everyone about my awesome kid too. 🙂

  7. Spurc says:

    This made my whole family so happy!!

  8. Jen says:

    This story made my heart so happy. People need love and acceptance. Of course, it doesn’t always come from family but that’s why we have our chosen families.

    My parents won’t be coming to my wedding because I am marrying a woman (more so my dad, but still). Granted, it’s just a small city hall ceremony and he’ll be going to the dinner afterwards, but it’s just so disappointing, especially because they actually like my partner as a person. It doesn’t make sense to me that they wouldn’t want me to be happy and loved. I have to remind myself that it’s their loss, and luckily we have a lot of support from friends and my partner’s family.

  9. Cay says:

    This is important because (male) sports have been slow, slow, slow to embrace homosexuality. There are still very few players who have come out publicly and there is very few voices willing to speak out on the subject.

  10. Melissa says:

    This is a family who truly walk the walk. Gabrielle seems to be an amazing parent and such a great role model for her kids. If you haven’t yet, read her book. She’s raw, honest and funny.

  11. Lithe says:

    This right here has made my day! At a time when so much of what is happening in the world is marked by unkindness—if not downright cruelty—it is heartwarming to hear stories like these. It is especially awesome to hear about black people supporting the LGBTQ community. For me, it wasn’t until I took a human sexuality studies elective at university back in the 90’s that I came to realize how many of the beliefs I grew up with in Jamaica were steeped in irrational intolerance. I was so ashamed. Decades later, I still have to grit my teeth around some family members, but times are changing—and that’s a great thing.

  12. Dre says:

    His mother is very against this ☚

    • Ader says:

      That’s sad.

    • Original T.C. says:

      Interesting. I wonder if that was one reason his Dad wanted sole custody? To prevent psychological damage at such a vulnerable age. Either way, hope his Mother chooses to love her son for his true self over her prejudice before he becomes an adult. What a brave little boy!

  13. WTF says:

    Yay! I LOVE this!

  14. Christina says:

    ♥️♥️♥️

  15. Don Mendenhall says:

    Love it. ❤️