‘Nothing changes with my love.’ Dwyane Wade explains how Zion bettered him as a father
Put Dwyane Wade in the fatherhood Hall of Fame.
In a recent sit down with former players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the Miami Heat legend discussed how raising his 12-year-old child, Zion, has led him to being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I’ve watched my son from day one become into who she now eventually has come into,” Wade said. “Nothing changes with my love. Nothing changes with my responsibilities. Only thing I have to do now is get smarter and educate myself more.”
Wade’s comments, specifically his embracing of Zion’s pronouns, have received widespread praise across social media.
As a father, @DwyaneWade is an inspiration — using his platform to make the world a safer and better place.
His unconditional love for Zion will give other parents the courage to love and respect their children for who they truly are.https://t.co/62yRQkd84s— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) December 20, 2019
Powerful! I love the support and acceptance Dwayne Wade has for his child. This kid is going flourish, and I love to see it... pic.twitter.com/BKeHBbg2Zi
— Santa’s Bad Bitch (@timmygotsoul) December 19, 2019
I have newfound respect for Dwayne Wade as a parent, in this cruel judgemental world, you have to be very strong, and stand your ground https://t.co/9Pf0hy8M6Z
— chitownsister (@chitownsister1) December 20, 2019
While Wade didn’t pigeonhole his child’s sexuality or gender identity, he addressed why the negative comments and personal attacks directed his way won’t stop him from championing equality.
“I understand that I’m speaking for a lot of people that don’t have the same voice that I have,” he continued. “So for me, it’s just my version of supporting.”
His sentiments echoed what he told the Miami Herald during Art Basel, just days after catching heat for a photo in which Zion wore a crop top.
“My favorite job in life is to be a father,” Wade said. “I think I was born to be a leader and the best place that I can be a leader is in my household. So I’m happy that I’m able to be that to each of my kids. Maybe one gets more coverage than the other, but I treat them all the same.”
While he’s quick to brush it off as just doing the right thing, being this vocal on a subject that many black men would choose not to speak on is pretty significant, which Barnes made sure to acknowledge.
“The unity and the love you showed as family was huge,” Barnes told Wade. “It was huge and needed.”