The world woke up Monday to the news that future NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade is in complete support for his son who has announced at 11 years old that he is gay.
While father Wade and his Miami Heat squad were away playing a game in Toronto, the rest of the Wade family, including wife and actress Gabrielle Union, 46, attended the annual Pride festival in suburban Miami Beach, Florida.
Societal norms, particularly the ethos within the normally ultra-conservative African American community, have relaxed to the point where famous Black fathers feel free to publicly support and celebrate their children’s sexual orientation. This is a stark contrast from yesteryear when Black male figures would shun or even demonize their gay children.
Dwyane Wade, aka D-Wade, for example, shared his support for son Zion, who was born in 2007 to his first wife, Siohvaughn Funches. D-Wade’s current wife, Gabrielle Union, took her stepson to the annual Miami Beach Pride festival on April 7.
“We support each other with Pride,” said D-Wade, 37, who wrote on his Instagram Stories atop a photo of his son and wife, Gabby Union.
On another photo, D-Wade, who could not attend Miami Pride with his son because he had a game in Toronto, let his son know he was there in spirit: “Zion had his [own] cheering section today. Wish i [sic] was there to see you smile kid!”
Zion’s older brother, Zaire Wade, also publicly supported his sibling, writing on Instagram, “Love you lil bro no matter what.”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, 59, may be an NBA legend and business mogul, but he’s also been a loving and supportive dad to his openly gay son EJ, now 26.
Magic Johnson shared his experience of learning that his son, Earvin “EJ” Johnson, was gay with Ellen DeGeneres on her eponymous show. “And when my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. We love him. EJ is amazing.”
MJ added: “You got to support your child because there are so many people who try to discriminate against them, so they need you to support them. Because if you don’t support them, who is going to support them? And love them?”
