Michelle Obama Praises Zaya Wade for Being a Role Model during a Touching Interview
Zaya Wade, daughter of NBA player Dwyane Wade met the former first lady who spoke highly about the teen's authenticity. Take a look at their video.
Zaya Wade, the daughter of basketball player Dwayne Wade, recently caught up with former first lady Michelle Obama, whom she described as her idol.
Skipping a class was worth it for Zaya. The 13-year-old girl took to Instagram to share her inspiring interview with Michelle, wife of former US president Barack Obama.
Michelle Obama during her "Becoming" book tour in Oslo, Norway in April 2019. | Photo: Getty Images
PRAISING ZAYA
Zaya, who came out as transgender at 12, hid her nervousness in a fashionable black dress. Zaya appeared starstruck looking at Michelle, the first-ever African-American first lady.
During their interview, Zaya asked the 56-year-old lawyer if she had a message for teens like her. Instead of addressing her question, Michelle couldn't help but praise Zaya:
"I am just so proud of you for being just an amazing role model and embracing your truth."
Michelle told Zaya that her piece of advice for teens who are experimenting with different versions of themselves and who want to assert themselves is to have patience.
The "Becoming" author also noted that during this "period of exploration," young people are still discovering what they are capable of and who they want to love.
Many fans in the comment section were in awe of their interview. Even Wade's wife, Gabrielle Union, couldn't help but comment, "I'm sooooo proud!!!!!!! You are such a star!"
In February 2020, Union shared that their child, Zaya, had identified as female and described her as "whip-smart." The "10 Things I Hate About You" star and Zaya are among the coolest mother-daughter duos.
He earlier expressed that he wanted to put their children in the best situations to succeed in the future.
PROUD PARENTS AND ALLIES
Meanwhile, Wade publicly declared through an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that he and Union were proud parents of a child in the LQBTQ+ community and were proud allies, too.
He also emphasized that as parents, they take their responsibilities seriously. Their love for Zaya won't change because of her preferred sexuality.
Wade earlier penned a heartwarming tribute to his daughter on Instagram. The 39-year-old basketball superstar wrote about unconditional love.
He expressed that he wanted to put their children in the best situations to succeed in the future. Whatever the paths they chose to take, Wade and Union will always support them.