Dwyane Wade Offers Simple Advice for Parents of Trans Children

Dwyane Wade has been setting example for parents whose children are interested in exploring their gender even before his own daughter, Zaya, came out as trans. He never seems to miss an opportunity to remind others how important it is to love and support their kids no matter what, and a red carpet interview at Sunday’s Met Gala was no exception.

Variety asked Wade what advice he has for other dads who aren’t sure how to react when their child comes out as trans, and his advice was perfectly simple.

“The moment when you were in the hospital and you grabbed your daughter, and you looked at your daughter, and all the things that went through your mind, all the emotions that went through your mind, and how much love fills your heart in that moment — don’t ever let that leave you, no matter what,” he said.

The former NBA star said he understands the parental urge to want your children to be like you, but stressed the importance of allowing them to grow into the person they want to be.

“Our kids are gonna be who they are. It’s our job to help mold them and help try to push them in the right places that they want to go, but just remember that moment, what you said in that hospital that day they were born,” he said.

Zaya’s stepmother, Gabrielle Union, was also there to weigh in on an important part of parenting a trans child, offering a similarly straightforward piece of advice.

“We believe them when they tell us who they are,” she said.