Zaya Wade is officially 16 years old. She celebrated her milestone birthday with her two biggest supporters by her side – father, Dwayne Wade, and stepmother, Gabrielle Union. Zaya turned 16 on May 29 and mentioned it in an IG post labeled “16” with a glitter emoji.
“So thankful for all the love,” she wrote.
Wade and Union posted a collage of photos featuring significant moments from the past year of the teen’s life.
“6Teen,” Wade wrote in the caption of his post. His photos included memories of the teenager modeling and a throwback video of when she was a child. Union posted a simple caption of “16,” with a black heart emoji.
2023 For Zaya Wade
In March, Zaya made her model runway debut walking in Paris Fashion Week. She walked in the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2023 Ready to Wear show. She wore a green knit top, a matching skirt, and an oversized jacket for the event. Zaya’s parents also shared photos of her at her winter formal, where she wore a sequined gown by Rodarte.
“Winter Formal. Supporting each other for life’s big moments is key,” the former Miami Heat star said in a post. “All the nerves, all the anxiety, all the fear… With loved ones by your side, no matter the challenge, we 10 toes down. Always.”
Zaya and Pride Month
Thursday marked the first day of Pride Month 2023. Last year, Dwyane Wade spoke with People Magazine about his daughter’s plans.
“Zaya was very clear that she didn’t want to ‘celebrate’ Pride,” Wade said. “She went to a Pride Month in Miami years ago, and it was kind of another one of those, in her words, just, ‘I’ve come out multiple times.’ “
Wade explained that his daughter wanted to focus on others.
“She wanted to make sure that we can help other families and provide for the families in the LGBTQIA community,” he explained. “So that’s what we try to do.”
In 2020, Zaya Wade officially came out as transgender. A judge granted Zaya a name and gender change earlier this year. Dwayne Wade first filed the petition in the fall of 2022. His ex-wife, Zaya’s mother, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, attempted to block the petition. However, a Los Angeles county judge signed off on the petition in February, legally recognizing her name as Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade.