Zaya Wade Talks About Thriving as a Trans Activist in Paris Fashion Week Interview

1. Zaya Wade is thriving and using her platform to inspire and support the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans kids.
2. Despite facing hate and transphobia, Zaya leans on her strong support system – her family – to filter out the negativity and distribute positivity.
3. Zaya urges other trans kids to protect their peace and reminds them that they are not alone, as the trans community is forever growing.

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Zaya Wade Thrives as a Trans Model and Activist

Zaya Wade, daughter of Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches, has been in the public eye since birth, but it was at age 12 when she came out as transgender that she began receiving a whole new kind of attention. In a recent interview with Dazed, the now 15-year old Zaya discusses fashion, beauty, and committing to being herself no matter what, while also sharing some words of wisdom for other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Describing the positives and negatives of being in the public eye, Zaya notes that the hate, transphobia and pressure she has faced have been far outweighed by the opportunity she has to reach and inspire more people. Having a strong support system has also been critical to her ability to stay strong in the face of negativity. Her dad, stepmom Gabrielle Union, and close-knit family have always vocally supported her, with Dwyane and Union frequently showing love for her on social media and encouraging other parents to support their transgender children.

As a voice of positivity for trans kids, it’s also important to Zaya to protect herself from hate and use her platform to make sure other trans kids know they deserve to do that as well. With bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth gaining traction in dozens of states, and efforts to ban gender-affirming care at work in more than 15 states, Zaya’s message of hope is more important than ever. She emphasizes that thousands of communities are waiting and growing within the trans community.

Zaya is thriving and wants the world to know it. As a trans model and activist, she is using her platform to inspire others to be true to themselves and find their communities of support. Protecting one’s peace is a key to thriving, and Zaya’s positive message is a beacon of hope for all.