May 24th 2024.
Dwyane Wade, a renowned NBA legend, has been steadfast in showing his unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. On a recent trip to South Florida, he shared exciting news about his latest business venture while receiving the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at The Elevate Prize Foundation's Make Good Famous Summit.
The decision to start this new venture was deeply personal for Wade, as his daughter came out as transgender in 2020. During this time, Florida was in the process of passing anti-trans legislation, causing many transgender adults to flee the state. Despite spending 14 seasons with the Miami Heat and making it their permanent home, Wade and his family had to leave due to the lack of support from the community for his daughter, as reported by AP News.
"It wasn't an easy decision to leave a place where we've made so many great memories," Wade shared with the outlet before the event. "But the community wasn't accepting of Zaya, so it wasn't the right place for us to stay."
During the award ceremony, Wade credited his daughter for inspiring Translatable, an online community designed to provide support for transgender children and their families. He recalled asking Zaya what one change she would like to see in the community, and her answer was to create a safe space for parents and their kids. Translatable is her brainchild, and Wade's family foundation is funding it.
The goal of Translatable is to support the growth, mental health, and overall well-being of the transgender community while sparking conversations that lead to greater understanding and acceptance. With the unrestricted funding of $250,000 from The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, Wade plans to make this platform a reality. Additionally, the CEO of the program announced that they will be making a separate donation to support Wade's initiative.
Carolina Garcia Jayaram, the CEO of The Elevate Prize Foundation, praised Wade, saying that he embodies the foundation's ethos. She highlighted how he has been a champion for social justice since the beginning of his NBA career, which many people might not be aware of.
For Wade, advocating for trans rights is a natural extension of his role as a father. Clinician Dr. Michelle Forcier from FOLX Health expressed her support for Translatable, saying that an online community for transgender youth can be immensely beneficial. She noted that young people are comfortable with electronic and online communication, making it the perfect platform to support them.
In addition to the generous donation from The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, Translatable is also made possible thanks to the support of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project. With such a strong backing, Wade's vision for Translatable is sure to become a reality, providing a safe and supportive space for the transgender community and their families.
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