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Zaya Wade: 5 Major Milestones In Her Transformative 'Before And After' Journey (2025 Update)

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Zaya Wade's journey is an extraordinary and powerful narrative of self-discovery, identity, and profound family support that has captivated the world. As of late 2025, the young activist, model, and public figure has not only celebrated her 18th birthday and embarked on her college journey but has also solidified her status as a leading voice for the transgender community. Her "before and after" story is less about a physical transformation and more about the courageous public evolution of her authentic self, supported unconditionally by her father, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, and stepmother, actress Gabrielle Union. This article details the most significant milestones in her life, from her birth name to her current role as a Gen Z icon and groundbreaker.

The public's fascination with Zaya's life is rooted in the inspiring way her family has navigated her transition in the global spotlight, making their private journey a public lesson in unconditional love and allyship. Her story is a testament to the importance of affirming environments for transgender youth, a topic she continues to champion through her advocacy work and recent public appearances, including the Met Gala and her feature interviews in 2025.

Zaya Wade: Full Biography and Profile

  • Birth Name: Zion Malachi Airamis Wade
  • Current Legal Name: Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade
  • Date of Birth: May 27, 2007
  • Age (as of December 2025): 18 years old
  • Parents: Dwyane Wade (Father), Siohvaughn Funches (Biological Mother)
  • Stepmother: Gabrielle Union-Wade
  • Siblings: Zaire Wade, Kaavia James Union Wade (Half-sister), Xavier Zechariah Wade, Dahveon Morris (Cousin/Guardian)
  • Public Identity: Transgender Woman, Model, LGBTQ+ Advocate, Activist
  • Key Milestones: Came out as transgender (2020), Legal name and gender change granted (2023), 18th Birthday and College Enrollment (2025)
  • Activism: Co-founder of the Translatable Project (Non-profit resource hub for trans youth).

The Defining 'Before and After': From Zion to Zaya

The core of the "Zaya Wade before and after" narrative is the profound shift in her public and legal identity, marking a monumental step in her personal affirmation. The "before" is represented by her birth identity, Zion, and the early years of her life lived as male. The "after" is the fully realized and legally recognized Zaya, a transgender woman living authentically.

The Moment of Coming Out (2020)

In 2020, Dwyane Wade publicly shared that his then-12-year-old child had come out as transgender. This announcement was a watershed moment, not just for the Wade family but for the visibility of transgender youth globally. Dwyane Wade famously stated that his daughter asked to be referred to with female pronouns and by the name Zaya.

The Legal Identity Milestone (2023)

A crucial part of the "after" was the formal, legal recognition of her identity. In early 2023, a Los Angeles County judge officially granted Zaya's petition for a legal name and gender change. Her full legal name became Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade, replacing her birth name, Zion Malachi Airamis Wade. This legal victory provided Zaya with the necessary documents to live fully as herself, a right that many transgender individuals struggle to attain.

The Medical Affirmation Journey

In a 2025 update, Zaya shared publicly that she has started estrogen, a key part of her medical transition journey. She described feeling "never been happier" since starting hormone replacement therapy, highlighting the positive impact of gender-affirming care on her mental and emotional well-being. This step is a significant component of her continuing transformation and affirmation.

Zaya's 'After' Life: Gen Z Icon and Fashion Model

Zaya's post-transition life has flourished into a high-profile career that seamlessly blends fashion, modeling, and staunch LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her visibility in these spaces has made her a powerful role model for a new generation.

The Rise of a Gen Z Fashion Icon

Zaya has quickly established herself as a notable figure in the fashion world. She made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, walking for the luxury brand Miu Miu, an event her parents proudly attended. Her sophisticated style and confident presence have earned her the title of a "Gen Z fashion icon." Her appearances at high-profile events, including the 2025 Met Gala, further cement her status in the industry.

The Translatable Project and Advocacy

Beyond the glamour of the runway, Zaya's most impactful work is her activism. In partnership with her father, she co-founded the Translatable Project. This non-profit organization serves as an online resource hub dedicated to providing safe spaces, education, and support for transgender youth and their parents, especially youth of color. The project embodies the family's commitment to turning their personal experience into a resource for the wider community.

Celebrating 18 and Starting College (2025)

The year 2025 marked another major "after" milestone: Zaya's 18th birthday in May and her subsequent enrollment in college. Gabrielle Union expressed that the family was "scared but excited" for Zaya to begin her college journey, reflecting the universal parental emotions mixed with the unique challenges faced by a public transgender student. This new chapter signifies her transition into adulthood and independence while continuing her education and advocacy.

The Impact of Unconditional Family Support

The consistent and vocal support from Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union has been a central theme in Zaya's "before and after" story. Their public allyship has provided a powerful blueprint for parents of transgender children.

Dwyane Wade has consistently spoken about the importance of listening to and affirming his daughter's identity, emphasizing that their bond is not defined by one topic. This public display of acceptance has been hailed by LGBTQ+ organizations as a vital example of positive parenting.

Gabrielle Union, Zaya's stepmother, has also been a fierce advocate, frequently sharing lessons on love and acceptance she has learned from Zaya. She has been a strong presence at Zaya's major public events, including the Out100 ceremony where Zaya was honored as a groundbreaker. Their united front provides a layer of protection and affirmation that is critical for transgender youth navigating a challenging world.

Zaya Wade's journey from Zion to Zaya is a powerful, ongoing narrative of authenticity. Her story—encompassing legal affirmation, a burgeoning career in high fashion, and dedicated work as an LGBTQ+ advocate—serves as a beacon of hope and visibility. The "before and after" is a celebration of a young woman who, with the unwavering support of her family, has confidently stepped into her true identity, inspiring millions to do the same.

zaya wade before and after
zaya wade before and after

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