As Tennessee’s new law banning gender-affirming health care for minors comes into effect, Gabrielle Union is among those who are speaking out against it. Union recently had a powerful message for Tennessee Governor Bill Walker, who signed the legislation into law Thursday.
At the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards, Union told Variety that there was an army of people who don’t agree with the law and will not let it stand without resistance. Union has been vocal in her support for her husband Dwyane Wade’s 15-year-old daughter, Zaya, whom he shares with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches.
“When you open the door to oppression,” Union said, “they’re not going to stop at the front door, they’re going to be in every nook and cranny of the house. If you think you’re offering up a marginalized group for self-preservation, you didn’t even buy yourself any time because they’re here, we’re here.”
Union’s statement comes as Zaya was granted a legal name and gender change in February, after Dwyane had petitioned the court for the action in August 2022. Zaya’s mother had asked the judge to deny the request, citing that her daughter could decide when she was older if she wanted to make the change permanent.
At the NAACP Image Awards, Dwyane gave a heartfelt speech in honor of his daughter and thanked her for her grace and courage.
“As your father, all I’ve wanted to do is get it right,” he said, while speaking directly to Zaya. “I’ve sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on public scrutiny. And even though it’s not easy, I watched you walk out of the house every morning. I admire how you handle the ignorance in our world. I admire that you face every day.”
It is clear that Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade are two of the many people who are standing with Zaya and the LGBTQ community as they continue to fight for the rights and acceptance they deserve. As Union said, resistance to Tennessee’s new law is only the beginning and those who are fighting for equality must remain strong and determined in their pursuit of justice.
