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Dwyane Wade and his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, have been engaged in a protracted court battle over their daughter’s well-being, particularly regarding Zaya Wade’s name and gender. Dwyane Wade recently succeeded in legally changing Zaya Wade’s name and gender, a decision that his step-mother, Gabrielle Union, supports wholeheartedly. However, her public statements on the matter have triggered a mixed response, with some suggesting she should refrain from commenting.
At the age of 15, Zaya Wade has become a prominent transgender figure, using her platform to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. She came out to the world at the age of 11 and has since been involved in various campaigns and speaking engagements. In August 2022, Dwyane Wade filed a legal petition to change Zaya’s name. This move faced opposition from Zaya’s mother, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, who raised objections.
Siohvaughn Funches-Wade filed court documents to prevent the name and gender change, arguing that Zaya should wait until she reaches the “age of majority” before making a permanent decision. She also accused Dwyane Wade of exploiting their child for financial gain through corporate partnerships, implying that he was encouraging the name and gender change for financial reasons. Dwyane Wade responded by labeling these allegations as “serious and harmful” and emphasized the importance of accepting their child as she is.
In the midst of this dispute, it was revealed that Dwyane Wade had full custody of Zaya and was not legally required to consult with Siohvaughn regarding their child’s well-being. Dwyane Wade was awarded full custody due to a contentious custody battle, Siohvaughn’s mental health struggles, and financial issues. An LA County judge subsequently approved the name and gender change, legally recognizing Zaya as Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade and officially acknowledging her gender as female.
The news of this change has sparked a divisive reaction on social media. Some feel that Zaya is too young to make such a significant decision, while others wholeheartedly support her. There’s anticipation that the rapper Boosie might comment on this development in an interview with VladTV, as he has previously expressed his views on similar matters.
For Gabrielle Union, the legal recognition of Zaya’s name and gender represents a significant victory for their family. In an interview with ET at the NAACP Awards, Gabrielle Union expressed her joy and celebration of Zaya’s achievement. However, some individuals believe that Union should not comment on the matter as she is not Zaya’s biological mother. This has led to varying opinions, with some people suggesting that Union should step back from the public discourse on the issue.
