Dwyane Wade’s Daughter Officially Changes Name and Gender Identity

After a petition by the proud father Dwyane Wade, a judge in Los Angeles County officially ruled that Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade – daughter of Dwyane and his former wife Siohvaughn Funches- is legally recognized as female. It all began when Zaya, who was 15 at the time declared she was transgender back in February 2020. The two parents divorced after 8 years of marriage in 2010 but they have both been supportive during this process to ensure their daughter can be her true self.

Their views differed on how to handle the issue. While Funches, also 41, has accused her ex of “pressuring” their child to “move forward” with her name and gender change “to capitalize on financial opportunities,” the athlete, 41, has consistently pushed for Zaya’s right to live a more comfortable and honest life. In a November 2022 filing, Dwyane referred to the claims as “nonsensical,” adding, “While it certainly would have been preferable for Zaya’s mother to be supportive of this important part of Zaya’s journey, Zaya should not be forced to put her life on hold while she waits for Siohvaughn to acknowledge and accept her truth.”

He made it clear that the requested modifications to Zaya’s identity were beneficial “from introducing herself and ordering food, to getting a driver’s license or completing college applications.” Unfortunately, Funches employed Zaya’s former name “Zion” in her objection. She wanted Zaya to wait until she reached 18 years old so she could make these changes on her own terms. According to his post, three-time NBA champion wrote back: “I got an online message suggesting I’m making our 15 year old act against their will and be somebody they’re not.”

His words expressed how the accusations had damaged their children. He was not shocked that Siohvaughn strives to revoke Zaya’s identity and tarnish his name, yet he felt deeply disheartened by her persistent attempts to be at the forefront of everything while disregarding what is best for their children. The basketball player shared this sentiment on social media platforms for all to see.

As a consequence, he labelled his former wife and parent to their 21-year-old son Zaire, an “absent parent” that reportedly never contacted Zaya’s teachers, doctors or therapists about her worries – assertions Funches declared were completely false. He further stated that himself and Gabrielle Union who are the parents of 4-year old daughter Kaavia, would never put pressure on either their children nor force any identity upon them against their will. Because he has had sole custody since 2011, Dwyane noted he had “full authority” to move forward without Funches’ permission, but she had been informed as a “courtesy.” HWade and Union have been steadfast allies of the LGBTQ community – lending their platforms to speak out against bigotry and celebrate their daughter’s identity – for the past three years. Moreover, they are also doting parents to Xavier, who is 9-years old and whom Wade co-parents with Aja Metoyer. Engaging in this meaningful advocacy has allowed Wade and Union to champion for positive representation on a larger scale.