Gabrielle Union Speaks On Zaya Wade's "Fight To Be Seen, Loved, Nurtured"

BY Erika Marie 966 Views
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60th New York Film Festival -  "The Inspection" Intro And Q&A
(Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC)
While discussing her new role in "The Inspection," the actress details how the film made her reflect on motherhood.

The Inspection arrives in just a few days, and star Gabrielle Union's role made her reflect on motherhood. The actress is married to NBA icon Dwyane Wade, and together, they lead a blended family with several children. The couple has been criticized for their parenting style, particularly taking hits for supporting Zaya Wade during her transition. The 15-year-old shared that she was transgender at just 12, and many believed their allyship was damaging.

However, the Wades have been unwavering against negativity. Union recently caught up with Entertainment Tonight and said as a mother, she wants to "be part of healing for a child."

Read More: Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union Give Advice To Parents Of Transgender Children

In The Inspection, Union portrays a mother who rejects her child because of his lifestyle. This is the antithesis of reality for Union, and she said she struggled to connect with her character.

"Zaya's still a child of this world, and we try to create a loving, safe bubble in our home, in her school, and community with our extended family." However, the real world isn't as kind and protective. "But she's still a queer person in this country, in this world. She has to fight every day to be seen, to be loved, to be nurtured, to be thought of as worthy."

Premiere Of Disney's "Cheaper By The Dozen"
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Read More: Gabrielle Union Explains Why Zaya Wade Felt “Outed” By Black Bloggers

Zaya Wade has certainly been coming into her own in recent years. Her transition has been a point of contention for her parents Dwyane and Siohvaughn Funches. The former couple divorced some time ago, but recently, Funches took her ex to court. She wants to prevent Zaya from undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Funches claims Wade is only supporting Zaya because he using her for profit.

Wade clapped back legally and publicly by denying Funches's allegations. He also contested that she is not an active part of Zaya's life, even though she has been asked to participate in all avenues.

Check out Gabrielle Union in The Inspection on November 18.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.