Zaya Wade, daughter of actress Gabrielle Union and retired basketball star Dwyane Wade, came out as transgender and confirmed she uses "she/her" pronouns earlier this month — eliciting a wave of support from her parents, celebrities, and fans alike.
"We are proud parents of a child in the LGBTQ+ community — and we're proud allies as well," Wade said during an interview on the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
But not everyone was supportive of the 12-year-old's decision to publicly identify as she/her.
Soon after Zaya made her announcement, rappers Young Thug and Boosie Badazz took to social media to express their disapproval — making transphobic remarks and referring to Zaya as Wade's "son."
"All I wanna say to dwade son is 'GOD DONT MAKE MISTAKES' but hey live your true self," Young Thug tweeted.
In an effort to defend Zaya, Cardi B took to Instagram Live on Friday to call on everyone to be more understanding and accepting.
"I understand that they just don't be understanding certain s---, please try to understand. Because sometimes you will be wanting people to understand you," the Grammy Award-winning rapper said. "So try to understand somebody else. Especially when it is a child."
Cardi B finished her Live by addressing Zaya directly — praising her for being out despite the criticism.
"Speak your truth," she said. "Speak your truth, and educate."
—Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 22, 2020
