Dwyane Wade Responded to the "Surprising" Backlash He Got For Supporting His Son at Pride

When Dwyane Wade supported his son Zion at a pride parade in April, he had no idea it would garner the response that it did. In fact, he said he was "surprised" that people would question his unwavering love for his son. Dwyane sat down with Variety at Cannes Lions where he opened up about the negativity on social media following that day. "This is my job as a father, and I'm very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or obviously the negativity that comes with it," the former NBA player said. "I'm doing what every parent should do."

Despite not being able to attend the parade due to an overlap with a basketball game, Dwyane shared photos on his Instagram Story of his wife, Gabrielle Union, and her stepson at the event. "Zion had his [own] cheering section today. Wish I was there to see you smile kid!" Dwyane wrote on social media at the time. And the backlash that followed, even to an outsider, was disheartening.

"I'm doing what every parent should do."

"I'm doing what I feel is right for my family and that's to support my kids, the same way if it's a sport, and if they come home with great grades, it's to pick them up and let them know they can do anything in this world," Dwyane said in the interview. "I'm from the inner city of Chicago and I wasn't told that. I wasn't told I could be anybody and do anything. It's my job to be that role model, to be that voice in my kids' lives, to let them know that you can conquer the world and that you have the support of your father, you have the support of your family every step of the way. So go and be your amazing self, and we're gonna sit back and love you and support you no matter what."

While his 12-year-old son has not spoken out about his sexual orientation, it's clear Zion has the support of his entire, loving family regardless. Dwyane also brought up an incredibly valuable point about parenting his four children. "I think people expect you to parent each kid the same. They are all different, and I have to get to know them and where they are. I have to say to most parents, get to know your kids. Don't put your wants and needs on them," he said. Check out the interview and more photos of the Wade family ahead.

Dwyane Wade's Interview at Cannes Lions

Photos of Dwyane Wade and His Family