Retired NBA star Dwyane Wade has responded to the criticism he received for supporting his son's participation in the annual Miami Beach Pride march earlier this spring.
The 17-year veteran sat down with Variety to explain the importance of supporting 12-year-old Zion in all that he does.
Dwyane Wade was surprised that his love for his son resulted in some backlash on social media https://t.co/yk4kuCE3nA pic.twitter.com/KAWEmQjEGZ
— Variety (@Variety) June 18, 2019
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“This is my job as a father,” Wade said. “I’m very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or the negativity that comes from it. I’m doing what every parent should do."
In April, Wade shared photos of his family at the Miami Pride parade while traveling on the road with the Heat.
"We support each other with Pride!" Wade wrote on Instagram.
Dwayne Wade and Gabby Union supporting young Zion at Miami Pride is so beautiful, I could cry. I can’t imagine having had this type of support as a kid (or even young adult). Amazing example of living in and showing unconditional love 💕 pic.twitter.com/2cT8Ow6kik
— Câmi Thomas (@CamiCruzThomas) April 7, 2019
Wade was met with vitriol online in response to the support of his son, many of the responses being too inappropriate to reshare.
that's just sad how people condon this behavior
— john nobles (@johnnobles24) April 11, 2019
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"You have the support of your father, you have the support of your family every step of the way," Wade said in the interview.
NBA star Dwyane Wade on supporting his son's attendance at Miami #Pride https://t.co/yk4kuCE3nA pic.twitter.com/uRFIUVdUrK
— Variety (@Variety) June 18, 2019
Wade, whose encouragement of his son is clear and deliberate, was also asked for advice on how parents can support their LGBT kids.
“I’m asked a question about my kids a lot from a sports perspective. ... I think people expect you to parent each kid the same. They are all different, and I have to get to know them and where they are.
"I have to say to most parents, get to know your kids," Wade said. "Don’t put your wants and needs on them.”