Zaya Wade shares insights into her relationship with her father, Dwyane Wade, and stepmother, Gabrielle Union.
In a recent interview with Seventeen for their cover story, Zaya opens up about how her parents view her dating life. “They’re really cool about it. Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip. She gets excited for me when I’m like, ‘Oh, I like this person.’”
Zaya explains that while her parents are supportive of her dating, like most dads, Dwyane tries to “scare” off any potential suitors. “My dad…he tries to scare any person I have [an] interest in. He’s kind of intimidating. The people I’ve dated have all been afraid of him in the first interaction. He’s gigantic and has this deep, booming voice.”
Zaya explains, “the facade only lasts for so long and you actually see his real personality. He’s a teddy bear.”
Zaya came out as transgender in 2020 and has often shared how supportive her father has been.
In a previous conversation with Harper’s Bazaar for their ‘Icons for 2023’ series, she opened up about their close relationship. She said, “my dad is who truly inspires me the most. Kids always tend to look up to their parents, but not only did I idolize him growing up and see him as a real person, I realize that he has played such an essential role in supporting me and the ways I choose to present myself to the world. He’s been so supportive and my biggest advocate. He took the time and learned and grew….”