This past April, Gabrielle Union, her stepsons Zaire, 17, and Zion, and infant daughter, Kaavia James, took to the streets of Miami to take part in the city’s annual pride parade. The family took tons of photos as they supported Zion’s first ride on the parade float. Though Dwyane Wade wasn’t able to attend the festivities with his wife and kids, he reposted the family fun on his social media. In an interview with Variety, Wade spoke about that joyous day and what it means to be a good father.
When asked why he felt it was especially important to publically support his son, Wade says, “I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell. 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. So the same effort that I’m going to put into Zaire Wade wanting to be a basketball player, [making sure] he has the right trainers, eats right and has the right time with me on the basketball floor, is the same time I give Zion with the things he wants to do.”
He goes on to praise his son Zion, who he says already displays amazing creative abilities. “He’s a writer and has an unbelievable imaginary mind. He’s a reader. So it’s the same thing for me. It doesn’t change. My role as a father is to support my kids and love my kids.”
Wade went on to say that the rules of good parenting are the same year round, and that every child should be treated uniquely. “I think people expect you to parent each kids 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 also expressed his surprise that his display of love for his son was met with some backlash on social media. “I’m very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or the negativity that comes from it,” he says. “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.”
Wade is one of many celebrity parents who have publicly supported their children during Pride month, and his love for his family comes across clearly every time he speaks about them. He married wife Gabrielle Union in August of 2014. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kaavia, in born December 2018.