“We support each other with pride. It’s a family thing,” says Dwyane Wade
Photo from NBA
“Go and be your amazing self and we’re going to sit back and just love you,” said retired NBA player Dwyane Wade in an interview.
Wade has always been an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Just recently, he talked about why it was important for him to support his 12-year-old son Zion who attended the Miami Beach Gay Pride last April.
“I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell,” Wade told Variety about the parade. “I think as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do.”
Last April, Zion attended the parade with his siblings and stepmother Gabrielle Union. Though Dwyane couldn’t support his son during the parade itself since he was on the road with the Miami Heat, he didn’t hesitate to express support and love for Zion on social media.
“We support each other with Pride!” Dwyane wrote on Instagram.
Zion was spotted holding up a rainbow flag and even had his own “cheering section” during the parade. “Wish I was there to see you smile kid,” the three-time NBA champion captioned a photo of his son and their family. “We support each other with pride. It’s a family thing.”
Backlash from social media
Unfortunately, Wade’s Instagram post was met with criticism and homophobic comments from bashers. The athlete mentioned he did not expect this kind of reaction and was quick to respond to all the negative remarks.
“I’m very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or the negativity that comes from it,” Wade said in the same interview. “I’m doing what every parent has to do. Once you bring kids into this world, you become unselfish. It’s my job to be their role model, to be their voice in my kids’ lives, to let them know you can conquer the world. So, go and be your amazing self and we’re going to sit back and just love you.”
“I’m doing what every parent has to do. Once you bring kids into this world, you become unselfish. It’s my job to be their role model, to be their voice in my kids’ lives, to let them know you can conquer the world”
The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer believes that all parents must unconditionally support and love their children, encouraging all moms and dads to understand their children’s specific personalities and needs.
“I think people expect you to parent each kid the same,” the basketball player said. “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.”