The couple cited the anti-transgender laws in Florida as the reason for their relocation.
Wade, who played for the Miami Heat, said that while he loves the city and its people, the laws and politics of the state have become a big concern, particularly for his daughter and the trans community.
Wade expressed his deep affection for the city but stated that he could not relocate there for the well-being of his family. Despite his emotional connection to the place, he prioritized his family's safety and decided not to return.
Florida's Anti-Transgender Laws
Florida has been enacting a series of anti-transgender laws that have been criticized by human rights groups and activists.
According to the Associated Press, the Republican governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, achieved further victories in his efforts to target the LGBTQ+ community. A state board authorized an extension of what has been dubbed the "Don't Say Gay'' laws, which critics have condemned.
The House also passed legislation regarding gender-transition treatments and the exclusion of children from drag shows.
Furthermore, Florida passed bills that prohibit diversity programs in colleges and prevent students and educators from being required to use pronouns that do not match their biological sex.
The Board of Education approved a ban on teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades 4-12, except when mandated by current state standards or as part of voluntary reproductive health education.
Furthermore, as per CNN, a bill was passed by the state House that forbids transgender individuals from utilizing government restrooms or changing rooms that correspond with their gender identity. This includes locations such as state universities, prisons, and public schools.
Wade and Union's Move to California
The couple revealed their decision to relocate to California in an interview with Variety at the 2023 Met Gala.
According to TODAY, Wade said that the safety and well-being of their daughter were their top priorities, and they decided to move to California, where they believed Zaya would be in a more supportive and welcoming community. Wade also emphasized that their move was not only for their family's safety but also to raise awareness of the issues facing the trans community.
Wade emphasized that their efforts were not solely for their own benefit. They were also acting on behalf of those who lack the means and opportunity to speak out, stating, "We're doing this for the people that don't have the voice and the platform that we have."
The couple has been vocal supporters of their daughter's journey and the LGBTQ+ community.
Wade wrote a book called "Dwyane Wade: My Life Off the Court," in which he talks about Zaya's coming out and their journey as a family. Union, on the other hand, has been actively advocating for trans rights and speaking out against discrimination.
Support for Wade and Union's Decision
Wade also mentioned that he relocated from the city to assist his wife's career in Los Angeles. He is the father of two sons, Zaire (21) and Xavier (9), and shares a 4-year-old daughter, Kaavia, with his wife, Union.
The couple's move to California has received extensive support from various groups, including celebrities, the LGBTQ+ community, and human rights activists. Equality Florida, a human rights organization, released a statement commending the couple's decision.
In 2020, Wade's child, Zaya, publicly came out as transgender. Following a legal dispute between Wade and Zaya's mother, Siohvaughn Funches, the 15-year-old model was granted a legal name and gender change in February.
Wade and Union's decision to relocate to California for their daughter's safety highlights the need for better protections for the trans community and the devastating consequences of anti-trans laws and policies.
It also serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, deserves to live in a safe and supportive community.
