"Your transparency should be studied" - Gabrielle Union celebrates Zaya Wade's 18th birthday with heartfelt tribute

Gabrielle Union paid a sweet tribute to her stepdaughter, Zaya Wade, on the occasion of her eighteenth birthday. The "Bring It On" actress took to Instagram to praise Zaya, saying:

"Your transparency should be studied"

Zaya Wade is the second child born to Dwayne Wade and his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches. The pair married in 2002, until their separation and eventual divorce in 2010, after a long court battle, during which the former NBA star was awarded sole custody of their two children.

More about Gabrielle Union's sweet tribute to Zaya Wade, as the former teen model turns eighteen

Gabrielle Union, in her heartfelt tribute to Zaya, said that even as a child, Zaya has managed to show everyone what it means to display strength and love. The "Casket Girls" actress wrote:

"They say parents are the ones to raise and show their children ‘the way’, but you’ve been the one to show us what true strength, vulnerability, and love really look like. At just 18, you’ve already shown the world what it means to be brave,”

Gabrielle Union further added that Zaya's courage is exemplary and can inspire others. She wrote:

“Your courage lights the way for so many to follow, and we’re right beside you every step of the way.”

In the series of pictures shared from the birthday bash, Zaya Wade is seen walking down the runway in one picture, as she is cheered on by others.

Zaya Wade, who publicly came out as trans in 2020 and later legally changed her name to Zaya in 2023, shares a close bond with Gabrielle Union. In her 2023 interview with DAZED, Zaya reflected on how her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, inspires her and taught her about doing away with age-old beauty standards. She said:

"It's about being you and expressing yourself the way you want to. She tries to teach me that beauty standards are arbitrary and that they don't mean anything. They don't matter anymore; what people thought was the standard is not. And just that being myself is the best technique out there."

According to People Magazine, Zaya Wade's birthday bash was a big event sponsored by MAC and H&M and attended by all members of her family.

In another post, shared on 29 May, Gabrielle Union wrote:

"Happy 18th birthday to you @zayawade!!! You are so loved and cherished and you make us so proud daily. May year 18 bring you blessings, adventures, and glorious peace. Love you!!!”

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Apart from Gabrielle Union, Zaya Wade also posted about her special day, thanking her friends and family for the special moments.

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