Dwyane Wade Slams Ex-Wife’s ‘Nonsensical’ Attempt To Block Zaya’s Name Change

In a new court document submitted on Monday, Dwyane Wade responded to his ex-wife Siovhaughn Funches’ “nonsensical” attempt to stop their daughter Zaya from changing her name and gender.

In documents obtained by a source, the former NBA star argued for Zaya’s ability to “live more easily and honestly in all facets of her life.”

The document stated, “This petition is about enabling Zaya to embrace the milestones of being a young adult with assurance and delight.

The 40-year-old athlete emphasized how many aspects of the teenager’s life, “from simple greetings and food orders, to obtaining for a driver’s license and filling out college applications,” would be in her “best interest” as a result of the law changes.

Zaya shouldn’t have to put her life on hold while she waits for Siohvaughn to recognize and accept her truth, the lawsuit’s conclusion read. “While it certainly would have been preferable for Zaya’s mother to be supportive of this important part of Zaya’s journey, Zaya should not be forced to do so.”

Funches, 41, charged Wade with “pressuring” their child to “go forward” with a name change and gender transition “in order to capitalize on financial prospects” in court documents filed earlier this month.

“The counselor asked Zaya to make the adjustments on her own once she is “at the age of majority,” using her daughter’s deceased name in the paperwork.

Wade responded to his ex-spouse on Instagram after divorcing her in 2010.

The former Miami Heat player referred to Funches as a “absent parent” who allegedly “won’t… reach out to Zaya’s teachers, doctors, and therapist” in a lengthy social media statement, writing, “I’m very disappointed that she continuously finds ways of centering herself and HER needs, without regard to her children.”

Further in his essay, Wade stated that he and his wife Gabrielle Union would never “push Zaya or any of [his] children to do anything against their will, much less force an identity on them.”

Since Zaya came out in February 2020, the Olympian, who is also the father of Zaire, 20, Xavier, 9, and Kaavia, 4, has openly supported her.

Wade described himself as a “proud ally” and “proud parent” to Ellen DeGeneres at the time.

In August, Zaya’s name and gender were first requested to be changed by the “Father First” author.

Wade stated that although Funches had been informed as a “courtesy,” he had “complete ability” to move on without her permission after obtaining sole custody in 2011.

Dwyane Wade Slams Ex-Wife’s ‘Nonsensical’ Attempt To Block Zaya’s Name Change

In a new court document submitted on Monday, Dwyane Wade responded to his ex-wife Siovhaughn Funches’ “nonsensical” attempt to stop their daughter Zaya from changing her name and gender.

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