On March 30, a fortnight following her recent appearance on a magazine cover, Zaya Wade accompanied her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, to the GLAAD Awards.
Zaya Wade, the 15-year-old daughter of the former basketball player Dwyane Wade, displayed genuine fashion sense at the GLAAD Awards when she joined her stepmother, 50-year-old Gabrielle Union. The duo’s appearance was truly impressive. Zaya, an openly transgender model, opted for a casual yet stylish look for the evening. She sported an all-black short dress adorned with multiple front pockets and paired it with small shorts. Completing the ensemble, she wore the same white sandals that she showcased on her Dazed magazine cover on March 15. A matching white small purse added the final touch to her charming outfit.
Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union, the proud 50-year-old stepmother, also stood out as a fashion icon during the event. She donned a multi-colored strapless gown that included a hood, creating a distinct look. Gabrielle shared a captivating video on Instagram, displaying her outfit while in an elevator, exclaiming, “I’m never too busy to serve #GLAADAwards @glaad,” in the caption. Her 41-year-old spouse expressed his support by leaving numerous fire emojis in the comments. The official GLAAD account praised her appearance with the word “STUNNING,” and her friend La La Anthony playfully commented, “Wooowwwwwwwww,” along with several heart-eyed emojis.
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Other notable figures in attendance at the event included pop singer Christina Aguilera, aged 42, Sarah Michelle Geller from Buffy, DJ Diplo, singer G Flip, and G Flip’s girlfriend Chrishell Stause, among others. Christina Aguilera looked stunning in a plunging black sequined gown, while Sarah Michelle Geller opted for a silver sequined gown. Chrishell Stause, known for Selling Sunset, made a bold choice with a provocative burgundy corset dress, while her partner sported a cropped white waistcoat and jeans. Diplo presented a sharp look on the red carpet, dressed in a brown suit, white button-up shirt, and sunglasses.
Zaya and Gabrielle’s appearance at the GLAAD Awards happened just a fortnight after Zaya’s appearance on the cover of Dazed magazine, during which she disclosed feeling most supported when surrounded by her family. When asked about her sense of “empowerment,” she attributed it to her family, expressing, “When my family is around me, they are a massive support system that has always been there for me. Whatever happens, I feel the strongest when I’m with them.” It is worth noting that Zaya, who is the child of Dwayne Wade and Siovaughn Funches, came out as transgender in 2020, with her father publicly endorsing and supporting her.
Recently, following her father’s request, the 15-year-old was able to officially change her name and gender. Despite resistance from her mother towards her name change, her full name is now Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade. Siovaughn and Zaya’s father were previously married in 2002 and divorced in 2010. In 2016, the former NBA star gained custody of their two children, Zaya and her 21-year-old brother, Zaire Wade. In her interview, Zaya also discussed undergoing significant changes, remarking, “So many big changes have happened over the last couple of years with me, but also just in general. I think it’s not my job, but it’s my honor to continue and further my family’s education and appreciation for the entire LGBTQ+ community as we grow together.”