Gabrielle Union Speaks Out Against Tennessee Gov. Over ‘Fascist’ Ban On Gender-Affirming Health Care For Minors: ‘You’re In For A Rude Awakening’

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union Speaks Out Against Tennessee Gov. Over ‘Fascist’ Ban On Gender-Affirming Health Care For Minors: ‘You’re In For A Rude Awakening’

It looks like Gabrielle Union isn’t holding back on how she feels.

Gabrielle Union is making it clear that she is against Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and his recent decision to sign a bill into law banning gender-affirming health care for minors.

The ‘Being Mary Jane’ actress told reporters:

“There is an army that rebukes you, that does not agree with you and that will not lie down while this fascist rule is instituted. And that’s just one state. There are several states who were doing the same thing, and they will be met with resistance. People are not going to take this lying down. They’re just not. So if you thought this was going to be a cakewalk, you’re in for a rude awakening.”

Gabrielle Union

Union continued,

“When you open the door to oppression, they’re not going to stop at the front door, they’re going to be in every nook and cranny of the house. If you think you’re offering up a marginalized group for self-preservation, you didn’t even buy yourself any time because they’re here, we’re here.”

Gabrielle Union has been vocal about her support for her husband Dwyane Wade’s 15-year-old daughter, Zaya, whom he shares with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches.

As previously reported, Dwyane Wade submitted documents to have the 15-year-old — formerly named Zion — legally recognized as a female with a new name back in August of 2022. Now, months later, an L.A. court judge recently granted the petition, allowing Zaya to be acknowledged as she chooses. The teen is now legally recognized as female and her name was changed from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade.

Zaya Wade

During a recent interview, the “Bring It On” actress opened up about the teen’s recent name change and the impact it has had on her.

Gabrielle Union said,

“Last night she was just so happy. And we were just like, ‘Say my name, say my name.’ To some people it feels like paperwork but to her it’s her truth and it’s her reality and we support that.”

She continued,

“Being in her orbit, you wanna catch up, you wanna keep up…She’s incredibly smart and incredibly bright and a phenomenal leader. I’m just happy for her. That she gets to be exactly who she is.”  

At this year’s NAACP Image Awards, Wade dedicated his and Union’s President’s Award to Zaya.

Wade said,

“I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I’ve wanted to do was get it right. I’ve sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on the public scrutiny. Even though it’s not easy, I watched you walk out of that house every morning as yourself. I admire how you’ve handled the ignorance in our world. I admire that you face it every day.”

Zaya Wade. Gabrielle Union, Kaavia Wade, Dwayne Wade,

He continued,

“To say that your village is proud of you is an understatement. Thank you for showing me that there’s more than just one way to communicate effectively. As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future. My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, wishes and dreams.”

The Tennessee bill, which goes into effect July 1, could result in parents being charged for helping provide minors with gender-affirming care.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

[VIA]