The NBA Hall of Famer was presented with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award for his advocacy for the trans community.
The Elevate Prize Foundation; Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty
Dwyane Wade, who had an illustrious career in the NBA, is now being recognized for something entirely different — his advocacy work for the transgender community.
Wade, 42, recently received the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award in Miami, where he played for the Miami Heat for most of his career. This award highlights his dedication to the transgender community, honoring efforts off the basketball court. It’s an accolade he finds especially meaningful.
“Sports is something you can expect an award from,” says Wade. “But this one right here is not something I would expect. I’m just a parent doing what a good parent should do.”
Wade’s daughter Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020 at age 12, has always had her family’s full support.
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Although Wade was the one receiving the award, he views it as a family achievement.
“This is a Wade family award,” Wade says. “This is just part of the Wade family stewardship. To make the world a better place, you have to have acceptance.”
Zaya, who will soon turn 17, is a model and influencer, and has been working with her father on their latest project, Translatable — a digital platform providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. The platform allows young people to share content like poetry, photography, or just their thoughts. Both Wade and Zaya will also contribute their own content.
Additionally, Translatable offers educational resources for families with children who have questions about gender identity.
The Elevate Prize Foundation
Wade shares how proud he is of Zaya, especially given the extra attention she’s received.
“She didn’t ask for this extra excitement in life,” Wade says. “She just wanted to be a kid and live her life. But she’s thinking about a larger community. I’m damn proud of her as a father.”
The Elevate Prize Foundation awarded Wade during its annual Make Good Famous Summit, recognizing several activists and entrepreneurs. The Catalyst Award includes a $250,000 grant to support Translatable, which Wade formally launched at the summit.
“Dwyane Wade embodies a beautiful combination of being a beacon in the NBA and using his social power for good,” says Elevate Prize Foundation CEO Carolina García Jayaram. “He’s entering a new chapter of his philanthropy, and we’re honored to support him.”
Wade is the first athlete to receive this notable award, joining renowned figures like Michael J. Fox, Malala Yousafzai, and Matt Damon.
Wade was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2023, having played 16 seasons, primarily with the Miami Heat. He won three NBA championships and was named a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Wade has been a vocal supporter of social justice issues, exemplified by his speech at the 2016 ESPY Awards in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Since Zaya’s coming out, he has become an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, striving to be a role model for other parents along with his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, who is Zaya’s stepmother.
The Elevate Prize Foundation
Wade emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for his children.
“As a parent, you hope your kids feel comfortable to communicate with you. Whatever they are experiencing, they need to feel comfortable expressing those things to you,” Wade says.
The award was particularly special because it was given in Miami, affectionately called Wade County during his career. Wade made headlines last year when he announced leaving Florida partly due to the state’s controversial anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, saying his family wouldn’t be accepted.
Wade hopes this recognition and his foundation work will foster meaningful change.
“I would love to feel that my entire family is accepted here, in Wade County,” he says. “You’re damn right that’s important.”
