Photo Credit:Alex G. Harper for Seventeen
At just 17, Zaya Wade stands at a pivotal moment in her life. The teen, who publicly came out as transgender at age 12, finds herself balancing college applications, activism, and the typical challenges of adolescence—all while living in the spotlight as the daughter of NBA legend Dwyane Wade and stepdaughter of actress Gabrielle Union-Wade. "It's a strange time to be growing up in America," Zaya acknowledges in her recent Seventeen magazine cover story, pointing to the harsh political climate that has seen 551 anti-trans bills introduced across 43 states in 2025 alone. Despite these challenges, she maintains a remarkable resilience: "I felt like I couldn't stand up for a little bit. But then I realized it's time to roll up my sleeves and keep going."
Her determination extends beyond personal growth. Zaya cofounded Translatable with her father, a nonprofit platform amplifying transgender voices that earned her a 2024 Out100 Groundbreaker award. "I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for Translatable and have to write it down," she shares, demonstrating her passionate commitment.
College applications currently dominate her focus, with astrobiology as her intended field of study. The self-described "nerd" is carefully considering not just academics but also campus safety. "I really want to put myself in spaces where I know I can find my community and my community can find me," she explains.
Like any teenager, Zaya navigates relationships under parental supervision. She describes Union as a confidante for "high school gossip," while her father takes a different approach: "He tries to scare any person I have interest in." But she's quick to add that beneath his intimidating exterior, "he's a teddy bear."
The fame of her parents brings both privileges and embarrassments. Zaya playfully critiques her stepmom's dance videos and her father's shirtless Instagram posts, noting that her friends sometimes ask, "What did I just witness on your father's Instagram?"
Beyond family dynamics, Zaya finds crucial support in her tight-knit friend group—her "core four." These relationships provide what she calls "the sheer level of love and acceptance" that sustains her through challenging times.
As she approaches her 18th birthday in May, Zaya Wade embodies a remarkable balance of youthful enthusiasm and mature perspective, carrying forward her mission while still embracing the ordinary joys of being a teenager.