As we discussed, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union supported Zion Wade, 11, at Miami Pride in April. Gabrielle and his siblings attended the parade and Dwyane posted his support via social media as he was out of town for a game that weekend. It was a lovely display by all. It was also somewhat of a surprise because 1) not many people knew Zion identified as LGBTQ and 2) because Dwyane got backlash from publicly supporting his son. While speaking with Variety, Dwyane addressed both of those things in a really beautiful way:
Some of the quotes:
Your family was at Miami Pride. And you were very supportive of your family being there and your son Zion being there. Can you talk a little bit about why that was important for you to publicly be supportive?
I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell. I think as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and to be behind them in whatever they want to do. So the same effort that I’m going to put into Zaire wanting to be a basketball player, the same hours… is the same time that I’m going to give Zion with the things he wants to do. He’s a writer, he’s someone who has an unbelievable mind, imaginary mind. He’s a reader. So it’s the same thing for me. It doesn’t change my role as a father. My role is to support my kids and to love my kids.
Were you surprised that your support your family was controversial? That people were critical of it?
Yes. This is my job as a father. And I’m very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or, obviously, the negativity that comes with it. I’m doing what every parent should do. Once you bring kids into this world, you have to become unselfish. You’re not important anymore. Your kids become the most important thing, your family becomes the most important thing. So I’m doing what I feel is right for my family and that’s to support my kids in the same way… It’s my job to be their role model, to be their voice in my kids’ lives, to let them know you can conquer the world. So, go and be your amazing self and we’re going to sit back and just love you.
It’s his first quote that spoke to me the most. Like I mentioned in the Marlon Wayans post, my daughter identifies as LGBTQ. But, just as I did in that post, I only bring that fact into the conversation if it’s relevant. A few times, I’ve had friends say to me, “you never told me (my daughter) was LGBTQ.” As Dwyane said, it’s her story. I’ve never not said it; she’s just not dating yet so I haven’t discussed girlfriends or boyfriends. Like, many people don’t know she’s a perfectionist either because it rarely is pertinent so I generally don’t mention it. Just like Dwyane emphasized, sexual identity is merely a part of any of us. I have a long, beautiful list of adjectives that describe who my incredible children are, and their sexual preferences take up just one of those spaces.
Dwyane also said that he grew up in the inner city in Chicago and that he was not told he could be anything he wanted to be, so he wants to make sure that’s an environment he creates for his kids. I do too. I admire Dwyane not only for his frankness but more so for his putting his role as a father above all else. It sounds like it’s a no brainer for him, and it should be. But as he said, he didn’t have that so the fact that he got there so quickly is commendable.
Photo credit: WENN Photos and Variety
Good call Dwayne and Gabrielle.
The importance of that support and showing it, especially in a black family, is so, so needed. Yes, I feel that these things have to said and shown over and over and over and over and over again to the point of annoyance.
I follow Dwayne and Gabrielle on IG and the comments, *sigh*, they just hurt my soul.
Dwyane.
I’ve always wondered if that was like an exhausted new mom misspelling Brian as Brain or if it was intentional.
He seems like a great father, if not always the best partner. But he and Gabrielle seem very happy together now.
I really like him and Gabrielle and their family. I like how he’s just like, “of course I support my son.” and I like that he makes it clear that he will support his sons in whatever they choose to do, whether its play basketball or be a writer.
That’s actually really sweet coming from a famous sports celebrity especially since the homophobia runs rampant with most jocks. Gossip wise though: Hope he’s as supportive to his other child not mentioned that he had with his side chick.
He has full custody of Zion and Zaire, so I’m sure it’s easy to compare the hours he gives, since they both live with him. And perhaps Xavier’s mom has separate preferences in how Dwayne does or does not talk about their son.
That’s a great point Molly, I’ve always thought the same thing like “mhm and where’s their support of his other child?!” Gabrielle doesn’t mention it at all in her book. But you’re right, that could absolutely be true that maybe the mother doesn’t want him in the public eye. Her other kids are Damon Wayans Junior’s. Are they talked about a lot? (I don’t know the answer.) Because he wouldn’t just be known as Dwyane Wade’s kid, but Dwyane Wade’s kid from a side chick. You know?
What a great attitude and family!
This is so awesome. I wish this kind of love and support
for all kids.
do yourself a favor and do not read the comments on the variety article. it is depressing AF.
Bravo. This is exactly how every parent should feel. I don’t understand bringing children into this world and then deciding if they are worthy of your love and support based on whether or not they have conformed to your ideals and become the person YOU want them to be. My FIL would be the first to disown his child or grandchild if they came out as gay because you know the Bible says too but let’s ignore everything the adulterer in office, a complete stranger, says and does and make excuses for it.
*Dwyane
I love what he says there about being hesitant to accept praise for what all parents should be doing. He seems to be so grounded as a dad.
If anyone here needs a good book, Gabrielle Union’s memoir is fantastic. It’s eye-opening to hear about her trauma, and how she’s helped raise those boys. It taught me something about what it’s like to grow up Black, and be raising Black children. Her commitment to her stepsons is evident in that book, and I’m sure she’s just as great a mom to Kaavia.
Great stuff from Dwayne Wade and Gabby. It is important that he is a huge NBA star and a prominent African American who is willing to support his children so strongly and in public. Says a great example
That was a really sweet thing to read this morning. They make a gorgeous family, and I’m digging Zion’s slippers.
I don’t know a lot about him but this is wonderful. He’s a father who loves his child without conditions.
Me too. I don’t watch sports and really can’t stand them to be honest but I watched the video and it made me really happy. What a great dad.
Thanks for covering this. What a lovely family. I’ve always been a Gabrielle Union fan too – I hope they continue to be happy and healthy.
They are such a great couple. I love seeing them on Celebitchy and in the news. Keep up the great work!
About the spelling of Dwyane’s name: his father is Dwyane Wade, Sr., so it’s a family name. It is one way to sound out what can also be spelled ‘Dwayne’, ‘Dwain’, ‘Dewayne’, ‘Dwaine’ or ‘Duane’.
This is the nicest thing I’ve read in awhile. Thanks for posting it.