Gabrielle Union Explained Why It’s Important For Her And Dwyane Wade To "Love Out Loud" And Support Their Trans Daughter, Zaya

    "We do not believe in any kind of shaming for existing."

    Terry Carter Jr.
    by Terry Carter Jr.

    BuzzFeed Staff

    It's pretty hard not to love Gabrielle Union, but after chatting with her last week, it's safe to say that I adore what she stands for.

    Raymond Hall / GC Images / Getty Images

    In an exclusive interview, the Cheaper by the Dozen star opened up to BuzzFeed about why she and Dwyane Wade love all of their kids "out loud" and shared advice for parents who may be struggling to accept their LGBTQ children.

    Gabrielle posing at the premiere of her film Cheaper by the Dozen with Dwyane and their children Kaavia and Zaya
    Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    In 2019, Dwyane's then–12-year-old daughter Zaya came out as transgender. Since then, Dwyane and Gabrielle have supported her in many ways, even throwing a Medieval-themed celebration for Zaya's 13th birthday, which coincided with the start of Pride Month.

    Dwyane, Zaya, and Gabrielle rocking coordinated color-blocked suits at a red carpet event
    Andrew Toth / Getty Images

    "It's important for us to live and love out loud. We didn't exactly understand why [supporting Zaya's trans identity] was a thing because it's like, we love all our kids out loud," she said, addressing the criticism she and Dwyane encountered.

    "But it is a thing and a lot of people do need an example," she continued. "[People] do need that [kind of] representation."

    "As our children show up, it is our job to believe them when they tell us who they are and not impose our dreams, hopes, fears, and desires on them," Gabrielle said.

    A closeup of Zaya and Gabrielle smiling at a red carpet premiere
    Chris Delmas / AFP via Getty Images

    "It's our job to be loving, compassionate, protective guides for our children, but their lives are their lives and we have to respect that," she said. "We do not believe in any kind of shaming for existing. That is bizarre, cruel, [and] harmful."

    Gabrielle wearing a pantsuit as she walks outside
    Mediapunch / GC Images / Getty Images

    "So yeah, we're gonna post our family, we're going to live out loud, we're going to love out loud, and we're going to speak out loud and lead in however each situation calls for us to be leaders when things are not where they should be," she said.

    The actor also spoke directly to trans kids living in states seeing a rise in anti-trans directives, saying, "There are people just like you that want you to win in life. And by win, I mean to survive and thrive. And we will find a way."

    Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    "Whether that's in Texas, Florida, Idaho, or all the other states that are basically trying to outlaw your existence, demonize and criminalize your parents for loving you. This will not stand. As long as I have air in my lungs, we will be fighting for you and I will not be alone and you are not alone."

    Beautifully said! Check out our full interview with Gabrielle Union here.

    Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated the theme of Zaya's 13th birthday party.