Dwyane Wade claps back at homophobic trolls criticising his son for wearing a crop top and nails
Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union and their children Zaya, 12, and Kaavia James, one. (Instagram)
Dwyane Wade spoke out after internet trolls criticised his 12-year-old child Zion for wearing a crop top and fake nails.
Wade’s wife, actor Gabrielle Union, shared a photo of the family to mark Thanksgiving, but her post was promptly hijacked by negative comments.
“Why are they encouraging this at such a young age,” wrote one troll, while another asked: “I’m trying to figure out why black women and their men are allowing that young man to dress like a girl.”
Hours later, the NBA star took to Twitter to shut down the critics.
“I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo,” he wrote.
“Stupidity is apart of this world we live in — so i get it. But here’s the thing — I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile!”
I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so i get it. But here’s the thing—I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile! ✌?
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 30, 2019
Followers were quick to praise Dwyane Wade for embracing and defending his child’s expression.
We stan an inclusive and supportive father! Sheesh, I needed a father (figure) like you growing up! Keep it up! Set the example and the bar!
— Jerome Trammel (@MrJeromeTrammel) December 1, 2019
To give your kids such a loving and free environment says so much. Some people dont have that so its easier for them to judge because they dont understand it. Keep doing what you doing..
— Miamore (@Miamore5623) December 1, 2019
To give your kids such a loving and free environment says so much. Some people dont have that so its easier for them to judge because they dont understand it. Keep doing what you doing..
— Miamore (@Miamore5623) December 1, 2019
Shout out D. Wade for setting the example of a Black father loving and accepting their children as they are. There’d be a lot less trauma in our community if more Black dads were like this. https://t.co/F63IVqQbhy
— Financial literacy is capitalist propaganda. (@mattblessesyou) November 29, 2019
Todrick Hall left his own comment under Union’s Instagram post, taking aim at people citing the Bible as a reason for their homophobia.
“The fact that people are commenting on this photo & freaking out over man made stereotypes,” he wrote.
“There is nothing in the Bible saying men can’t wear crop tops or have a BEAT set of nails. What this kid identifies as hasn’t even been stated and people are losing their minds.
“There are straight men who wear crop tops, straight men could wear nails if we’d stop putting them in boxes, and guess what….god never said boys should have short hair & not wear pink.”
There is nothing in the Bible saying men can’t wear crop tops or have a BEAT set of nails
Dwyane Wade has previously said that he chooses not to talk about Zion’s identity too much, “because it’s Zion’s story to tell.”
“I think as a family, we should support each other,” he told Variety in June.
“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.”
The basketball player spoke out after sharing pictures of Zion celebrating Pride with his stepmother Union.
Wade wasn’t able to attend the event but posted to Instagram in support, writing that he wished he was there “to see you smile”.
