Zaya Wade to Receive Award at LA LGBT Center’s 34th Annual Models of Pride Event

Yes niece! Zaya Wade is set to attend the 34th annual Models of Pride Event, set for October 10, 2026, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Earlier this week, organizers announced that the 19-year-old transgender trailblazer would headline the event as a featured speaker and honoree, receiving the Model of Pride Award.

Zaya Wade said being recognized is not only an honor but a call to keep fighting for the transgender community as a whole. “Now more than ever, our community needs to stand united so every young person can grow up knowing their truth is their power.”

She continued, “The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s impactful work demonstrates what is possible when we invest in trans, gender-expansive, and nonbinary youth. We create pathways to joy, leadership, and liberation, just as my project, Translatable, strives to do.”

Upon receiving the award, Wade will join a distinguished group of LGBTQ+ trailblazers who have previously received the honor, including Bretman Rock, Dylan Mulvaney, Trixie Mattel, and Hayley Kiyoko.

Born from NBA royalty, Zaya is the daughter of a 3-time NBA championship ring holder Dwayne Wade and is the stepdaughter of accomplished actress/author Gabrielle Union, who together have advocated for and promoted the civil rights of black and LGBTQ+ communities.

While the internet rolls its eyes at nepo babies, Wade has shown up and shown out for her community, proving she’s not just for herself, but for her community as a whole.

Over the last half-decade, Wade has become one of the most prominent young transgender figures in the entertainment industry, where she has consistently used her platform and visibility to represent and advocate for the transgender community.

At age 12 in 2020, Wade came out to the public; her coming-out story sent the internet into a frenzy, with many standing in opposition to her identity and some criticizing her parents for allowing her to freely identify as transgender so young. Internet chatter aside, she persisted, teaming with various publications to amplify transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights.

In May 2024, Wade, alongside her father, Dwayne, founded Translatable, an online community hub and nonprofit initiative dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where LGBTQIA+ youth can express themselves freely.

In addition to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, Translatable also serves as a resource hub for parents, families, and other support systems, providing access to information, guidance, and community.

Beyond advocating for the community and creating safe spaces, she’s made her mark on the fashion industry.

She made her runway debut for Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week in March 2023 at just 12 years old, joining high-profile industry figures like Mia Goth, Ethel Cain, Amelia Gray, and Emma Corrin.

In addition to establishing herself on the runway, she also modeled for print in Dazed magazine and was featured in major campaigns for brands such as Dove, Puma, and Tiffany & Co

Wade’s selection as this year’s honoree reflects her contributions within the industry, ongoing advocacy, and previous support of the Center, including its Trans Wellness Center.

For more than 30 years, Models of Pride has brought together hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth ages 24 and under, along with allies, for a free celebration featuring activities, resources, and interactive sessions.

Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Joe Hollendoner described Models of Pride as “a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ youth,” adding that the event provides “a space where young people can feel safe, affirmed, and empowered.”

The event is supported by Freshman Sponsors Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP and GUESS Foundation, as well as Senior Sponsors Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo and Glamazon L.A., Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Models of Pride will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus, located at 1118 N. McCadden Pl. in Los Angeles.

For more information or to register, visit modelsofpride.org.