Dwyane Wade Slams Ex-Wife Siohvaughn Funches In New Court Docs For Attempting To Block Their Transgender Daughter From Legally Changing Her Name & Gender: Zaya Shouldn’t Be Forced To Put Her Life On Hold

Dwyane Wade, Siohvaughn Funches, Zaya Wade

Dwyane Wade Slams Ex-Wife Siohvaughn Funches In New Court Docs For Attempting To Block Their Transgender Daughter From Legally Changing Her Name & Gender: Zaya Shouldn’t Be Forced To Put Her Life On Hold

Dwyane Wade is firing back at his ex-wife who’s allegedly hindering their daughter from “living in her truth.”

According to new legal documents, former NBA star Dwyane Wade is claiming that his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches doesn’t have their daughter’s best interest at heart as she attempts to block Zaya Wade’s legal gender change.

As previously reported, Siohvaughn Funches, mother of Dwyane Wade’s eldest children Zaya Wade and 20-year-old Zaire Wade, requested that the court impose an order that would prevent their 15-year-old daughter from legally changing her gender from male to female on her birth certificate until she is 18-years-old. Siohvaughn Funches, 41, also accused Dwyane Wade of pressuring their daughter into permanently changing her identity, so he can profit from Zaya’s transition.

Zaire Wade, Siohvaughn Funches, Zaya Wade

Zaya came out as transgender in 2019. Since then, she has signed modeling contracts with companies such as Tiffany and Dove. In addition, she’s accumulated hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. The young influencer has also appeared on red carpet events alongside her father and stepmother Gabrielle Union, who is seemingly accepting of Zaya.

The 13-time NBA All-Star explained that the original petition filed to change his daughter’s name and gender was done at Zaya’s request. He stated that the petition,

“is not about Siohvaughn or Dwyane or their prior marriage, it is about what Zaya wants and what is in her best interest.”

He added that the petition,

“is about empowering Zaya to live her truth, allowing Zaya to take on the milestones of being a young adult with confidence and joy, and to ensure that those moments are not clouded by the self-doubt that comes from checking a box or signing a name that does not reflect her identity.” 

In the filing, Dwyane is requesting a court order affirming Zaya’s identity, granting her the right to

“live more comfortably and honesty in all aspects of her life-from simple introductions and food orders, to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.”

The 40-year-old retired athlete said:

“Granting the requested relief is an important step toward affirming Zaya’s gender and name change with the full faith and credit of an order by a California court” 

He added: 

“Zaya should not be forced to put her life on hold while she waits for Siohvaughn to acknowledge and accept her truth.” 

Dwayne Wade & Zaya Wade

He also explained that his family’s celebrity status is not a justifiable reason to deny his petition. Dwyane, who was married to Siohvaughn Funches from 2002-2010 said:

“The Petition is what Zaya wants and is undoubtedly in her best interest, regardless of whether it generates interest from the public.”

A judge will decide on Monday (Dec. 12) if the case will proceed in California or be argued in Illinois. 

What are your thoughts on Dwyane Wade claiming his ex-wife doesn’t have Zaya’s best interest at heart? Share below!

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