Zaya Wade is the daughter of former NBA superstar Dwyane Wade. Born in 2007 in Chicago, Illinois, Zaya was raised by her father and stepmother, actress Gabrielle Union.
In 2020, at age 12, Zaya came out as transgender with the full support of her family. Since then, she has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and acceptance.
With over 700K Instagram followers, Zaya is developing her own brand as an influencer and model. She has partnered with brands like Fossil and Flawless by Gabrielle Union.
Though still a teenager, Zaya Wade has already made a name for herself by bravely sharing her personal journey and using her platform to promote equality. This article will explore her background, family, career highlights so far, and what the future may hold for this inspirational young woman.
Birth Sign | Taurus |
Age | 17 years |
Hometown | Illinois, United States |
Horoscope | Taurus |
Birthday Countdown | 135 Days, 05 Hours, 09 Minutes, 26 Seconds |
Zaya Wade Boyfriend, Mother and Parents
Zaya was born to Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches, who were high school sweethearts. Her parents divorced in 2007. In 2014, Dwyane married actress Gabrielle Union, who became Zaya’s stepmother.
Zaya has four siblings – two older half-brothers, Zaire and Xavier, a younger half-sister Kaavia (Gabrielle’s daughter), and a half-brother Xavier.
Her paternal grandfather is Dwyane Wade Sr. Coming from a blended, high-profile family, Zaya has received immense support from her loved ones, especially concerning her gender identity.
Dwyane Wade | Father |
Siohvaughn Funches | Mother |
Gabrielle Union | Stepmother |
Zaire Wade | Brother |
Xavier Wade | Brother |
Zaya Wade Gender and Life’s Controversy
Zaya living openly as a young transgender girl has sparked some backlash. Conservative media outlets and public figures have criticized the Wade family’s support of her transition.
However, Zaya has mostly received overwhelming praise and acceptance. In 2020, a video of Zaya going to her first pride event with Gabrielle Union and step-grandma went viral.
The family looked joyful, celebrating Zaya’s identity. She also made headlines for her groundbreaking Interview Magazine cover that year as the first openly trans child featured.
Recently, Zaya has used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ community. For example, when Florida proposed legislation limiting classroom discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity, Zaya spoke out passionately against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Now working alongside her stepmom to launch a public charter school centered on diverse, marginalized groups, Zaya Wade continues to make news as an influencer guided by social justice.
Zaya Wade Net Worth
Though still a minor, Zaya Wade has already amassed considerable wealth through modeling, endorsements, and other partnerships. Estimated to be worth around $5 million, her fortune will likely only continue growing in the coming years.
As a rising media star with a large Instagram following, brands have taken notice of Zaya’s influence. She recently partnered with popular haircare line Flawless by Gabrielle Union.
And back in 2021, luxury watchmaker Fossil brought the then-14-year old on as a brand ambassador. Coming from a famous and well-off family certainly provides financial security as well. But Zaya is also blazing her own trail as an entrepreneurial teen.
Net Worth | $5 million (Estimated) |
Salary | Not Available |
Source of Income | Family Member, Influencer, Model |
Zaya Wade Before and After
Zaya has become known for her signature style which typically features edgy streetwear looks, pops of color, and unique accessories that express her personality. Though only in her mid-teens, she carries herself with a confidence beyond her years.
Zaya often changes up her hairstyle, playing with fun colors and styles that match her fashion-forward outfits. Her stepmother Gabrielle Union has described her as “compassionate, loving, whip smart.”
With a creative flair and willingness to take risks, Zaya’s appearance is a visual representation of her focus on authentic self-expression. You can also check out Nikki Glaser who is popular American stand-up comedian.
Height | Not Available |
Weight | Not Known |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Body Type | Slim |
FAQs
Zaya’s parents are former NBA player Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches.
Zaya is currently 17 years old. Her date of birth is May 29, 2007.
Zaya is a transgender girl. She came out publicly as trans in 2020.
Zaya has an estimated net worth around $5 million.
No, as far as the public knows, 16-year-old Zaya is currently single.
Social Media
As a rising Gen Z influencer, Zaya Wade has a sizable social media footprint with a combined follower count surpassing half a million.
@zayawade |
Zaya Wade is the daughter of famous NBA basketball player Dwyane Wade. Though just 15 years old, she has already made headlines for publicly coming out as transgender in 2020. In just a few short years, Zaya Wade has already made a profound impact.