Gabrielle Union on Zaya Coming Out as Trans: "It Was Just a Beautiful, Full-Circle Moment"

Gabrielle Union is an open book when it comes to discussing her family life. Most recently, she spoke with Naomi Campbell in a virtual interview for the supermodel's YouTube show, No Filter With Naomi. After discussing her foray into the acting world while studying at UCLA 25 years ago and her marriage to Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle shared how her 13-year-old stepdaughter, Zaya, has been living more freely after coming out as trans earlier this year.

"She's come out a few times," Gabrielle explained. "But she came out in the LGBTQ+ community when she was in the third grade. So, by the time she claimed her identity as a beautiful, young trans girl a year ago now, our family was already LGBTQ+ allies, and we were already educating ourselves and learning and humbling ourselves. So, it was just a beautiful, full-circle moment."

According to Gabrielle, watching Zaya embrace who she is at home has been incredibly rewarding for the entire family. "If you can be free in your home and you are encouraged and loved and there's rejoicing — as you rejoice, as you claim your identity — it allows for more freedom," she said.

Dwyane and Gabrielle have publicly supported Zaya in the past at Pride events, on social media, and most recently at this year's GLAAD Awards. Gabrielle shared that she feels their actions have also encouraged other parents to stand by their children who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

"What we've realized through our very public journey is that us loving our children unconditionally has inspired other people to love their children unconditionally," she said. "And it doesn't mean you have all the answers or you're gonna get everything right. But, it's step one, love your babies. They don't need to be mini versions of you. They can be happy, healthy, and successful without doing everything that you did. Just love them and release them to be themselves."