Dwyane Wade Explains Why He Left Florida Because Of Anti-LGBTQ Laws That Affected His Family

Florida is no longer where Dwyane Wade resides. Wade stated to Rachel Nichols that he and his family relocated from the state because lawmakers are attempting to enact laws and utilize language that could be harmful to the LGBTQ community.

Wade remarked, “That’s just another reason why I don’t reside in that state. “Many individuals are unaware of that. Not just for myself, but also for my family, I must make decisions. Having Wade County and paying taxes is definitely great. However, neither my family nor I would be welcomed or at ease there. That being the case, one of the reasons I don’t reside there.

At the 54th annual Image Awards in February, Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union were presented with the esteemed Presidents Award by the NAACP. Both of them delivered powerful speeches supporting the Black LGBTQ community.

“When I use my platform, I do so on purpose. Wade added, “I appreciate what I have, and it is my responsibility to strengthen other people’s voices and spread my access to resources.

The award was given in Wade’s opening remarks in honor of his transgender daughter Zaya, age 15.

“Zaya, as your father, my only goal has been to do it correctly. Wade remarked, “I’ve stood back and observed how eloquently you’ve handled the public scrutiny and, despite the fact that it’s not easy, I’ve observed you leave that house every morning as yourself.

Here's what Dwyane Wade said on Headliners when I asked him about anti-LGBTQ laws in Florida: "That's another reason why I don't live in that state. A lot of people don't know that…my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there." pic.twitter.com/1ya0AevA1C
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 26, 2023

The former NBA player complimented his daughter for demonstrating to him “that there is more than just one way to communicate effectively.”
“You’ve shown me that using only my mouth to communicate is insufficient. Wade continued, “I also have to communicate with my two ears and my two eyes.

“A new era that demands our collective answer to one simple question: Will we fight for some or will we fight for all of our people?” said Gabrielle, joining the conversation. Even as we scream out for equality, we repeatedly fail to extend our advocacy to safeguard some of our most defenseless citizens.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) DK Dwayne Wade shoots the ball in the 3-point contest, during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023.

Wade concluded his address by expressing his “proudness to be chosen” as Zaya’s father to an emotional audience.

He replied, “Zaya, you’ve improved me as a person just by being who you were born to be, a baby girl, Zaya Wade. “So baby, I want to thank you for showing the world what courage looks like.”

Dwyane Wade Explains Why He Left Florida Because Of Anti-LGBTQ Laws That Affected His Family

Florida is no longer where Dwyane Wade resides. Wade stated to Rachel Nichols that he and his family relocated from the state because lawmakers are attempting to enact laws and utilize language that could be harmful to the LGBTQ community.

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