Gabrielle Union Thinks It’s "Odd" To Receive Praise For Supporting Zaya Wade

Ever since they shared that Zaya Wade was transitioning from male to female at 12-years-old, parents Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have faced backlash. They’ve been criticized for supporting Zaya during this time, but the LGBTQIA+ community have stood by their side. Dwyane and Gabrielle have been applauded for how they’ve accepted Zaya, and during a recent chat with Ellen DeGeneres, the actress talked about how it’s strange for her to be praised for something she says parents should do, anyway.

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“To us, it’s a little odd to get any kind of recognition for doing what you’re supposed to do, which is love, and accept, and embrace your kids,” Gabrielle Union said. “So it’s odd to get recognition for that. Unfortunately, there are so many people who just don’t.” She added, “[There are] so many people who really truly feel like their kids are disposable. If they’re not perfect images of them, they’re not interested. And it’s heartbreaking. So we’re just doing what is natural to us, and loving her.”

Later, in another interview, Gabrielle gave advice to parents raising an LGBTQIA+ child. “Love your child, listen to your child, accept your child,” she answered. “Reject the notion that your children are disposable if they are not little mini versions of you and that creating more of you isn’t in every kind of way, isn’t the solution to keeping them safe or paving the way for a happy life.” Watch a clip of the actress dishing out advice to LGBTQIA+ parents below.

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