Zaya Wade Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Stepmom Gabrielle Union

LOS ANGELES, CA — Dwyane Wade‘s daughter Zaya Wade recently opened up about the powerful influence her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, has had on her journey of self-acceptance. In a cover story for a popular magazine, Zaya discussed how Union helped her embrace her identity after coming out publicly at the age of 12.

In the interview, Zaya reflected on her early struggles with self-image and identity, stating, “Gabrielle has just instilled such a confidence in my femininity. I tried to compensate in every single way, and it was so draining. She was so adamant about telling me that I don’t have to look or act a certain way — I can just be me. And, oh my god, I thank her every day for it.”

The bond between Zaya and Union has been highlighted throughout the media, especially as the couple navigated challenges together. Union, who authored the book You Got Anything Stronger?, and Wade welcomed their daughter Kaavia, now six, via a surrogate in November 2018. She is a stepmother to Wade’s two other children, Zaire, 23, and Zaya, 17, and is also the guardian of Wade’s nephew, Dahveon Morris, 23.

In a February 2025 interview, Union expressed her pride in Zaya’s confidence and authenticity. “Who she is amazing but it’s because we love her so much and we protect her freedom and her humanity and her rights that she’s allowed to blossom,” Union shared. “When we get compliments on who she is and who she stands for and who she represents, it’s not just the LGBTQIA community. Elderly people come up to me and say, ‘I wish my parents gave me the freedom to live my full truth and to reach my full potential, and I’m so glad that she’s doing this at such a young age.’”

As both mother and daughter continue to navigate their public lives, Zaya’s journey and Union’s unwavering support highlight the ongoing conversation around acceptance, love, and identity in today’s society. Their story serves as an inspirational reminder of the importance of family support when it comes to embracing one’s truest self.