Zaya Wade Credits Stepmom Gabrielle Union With Teaching Her About Internal Beauty

Zaya Wade is opening up about life with her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, and the many lessons she’s learned from the iconic actress.

The 15-year-old was recently featured in a spread for DAZED, where she gave a rare glimpse into her life.  The trans teenager, whose been the topic of both criticism and massive support, shared that it was Union who defined the true meaning of beauty.

“Beauty is in yourself,” she explained.

Zaya has been the topic of discussion since it was revealed that she was transgender at age 12.  Even her retired NBA pro father, Dwyane Wade, as well as Union, were heavily scolded for supporting her.  Zaya’s biological mother, Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, has also bashed Dwyane for petitioning to have Zaya’s legal name, which was Zion, and gender changed.  A Los Angeles judge approved the modifications last month.

Additionally, Zaya credits Union with planting a seed of individualism within her at a young age, giving her the courage to live in her truth and discover the things that make her beautiful.

“It’s about being you and expressing yourself the way you want to,” Zaya continued in the DAZED sit-down.

Elsewhere in the interview, Zaya admitted that she is not the most active on social media due to the potentially nasty things she may read about herself.  In order to protect her peace, the rising fashion model has implanted healthy boundaries that prevent hateful comments, such as allowing only those she knows to comment on her posts.  She admits that transphobia comes with being a child in the spotlight but is grateful for her dedicated support system for helping her navigate through this.