NBA Legend Dwyane Wade has launched Translatable, an innovative digital platform that provides support and resources for transgender youth.
Wade aims to create a safe and inclusive space through this online community where transgender individuals and their families can find solidarity, guidance, and empowerment.
NBA Legend Dwyane Wade has launched Translatable, an innovative digital platform that provides support and resources for transgender youth.Megan Briggs/Getty Images
NBA Legend Dwyane Wade Supports Transgender Children, Their Families
Returning to South Florida, NBA legend Dwyane Wade resumed his advocacy efforts. Wade played over 14 seasons with the Miami Heat, earned three championships, and inspired the nickname "Wade County" for Miami-Dade County. His legacy looms large.
However, his recent appearance at The Elevate Prize Foundation's Make Good Famous Summit marked a new chapter in his personal journey. Accepting the nonprofit's Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, the Associated Press reported that Wade outlined a profoundly personal battle during the event.
Wade expressed mixed emotions about departing South Florida and acknowledged the significant accomplishments during his time there. However, he emphasized feeling disconnected from the community's support, particularly in relation to his daughter Zaya.
In 2020, Zaya, Wade's daughter, publicly came out as transgender amid a wave of anti-trans legislation in Florida and elsewhere, leading numerous transgender adults to relocate from the state. Consequently, the Wade family sold their Florida residence last year and relocated to California.
In receiving the award, DwyaneWade acknowledged his daughter Zaya's contribution to establishing Translatable, an innovative online platform that supports transgender youths and their families.
He credited Zaya with inspiring the creation of Translatable. Wade reflected on the pivotal moment when Zaya was asked about the one change she wished to see in the community. Her response was a poignant reminder directed at parents, adults, and society, emphasizing the need for a safe space for parents and their children.
Translatable emerged from Zaya's vision and is referred to as her brainchild. Backed by the Wade Family Foundation, Wade envisioned it as a nurturing environment fostering growth, mental wellness, and overall well-being.
He aims for this platform to spark meaningful dialogues that foster deeper comprehension and acceptance within the community. The $250,000 in unrestricted funding accompanying The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award will be allocated towards Translatable to accelerate its mission.
Following Wade's proposed initiatives, Elevate Prize Foundation CEO Carolina Garcìa Jayaram revealed that her organization made an additional donation to Translatable. The platform received backing from the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project during its development.
According to Jayaram, Wade's values resonate deeply with the principles of the entire foundation. She told the AP that his stature is not only as a hero in the sports universe but also in social justice space. Jayaram noted that Wade's involvement in social justice dates back to the early stages of his NBA career, a fact often overlooked by many.
Wade emphasized that his advocacy for trans rights stems from his role as a parent, highlighting the valuable insights he gains from lengthy discussions with Zaya at home.
Jayaram praised Wade's commitment to parenthood and applauded his initiative to launch Translatable in Florida, where many individuals might feel a sense of exclusion.
