Former NBA star Dwyane Wade has felt obligated to defend his family yet again from homophobes.
In a Thanksgiving family photo, posted by actress and Wade's wife, Gabrielle Union, their 12-year-old son Zion is seen wearing a crop top and long nails.
"Why are they encouraging this at such a young age? It one thing to accept it but…damn," one person said commenting on the photo.
Another Instagram user said it's sad to see "the boys turning into girls. It hurts my heart."
Several others also followed up with similar comments, saying the boy is becoming too feminine.
The three-time NBA champion later responded to the naysayers on Twitter.
"I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo," he wrote. "Stupidity is a part of this world we live in—so i get it. But here’s the thing—I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love and a smile!"
I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so i get it. But here’s the thing—I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile! ✌????
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 30, 2019
The former Miami Heat guard received several encouraging comments from people responding to his tweet.
"Standing right here with y’all, now and forever," one Twitter user said.
Standing right here with y’all, now and forever. ❤️
— Old Picture of Dorianna Gray (@blurbette) December 1, 2019
"You are a great dad, leader, and role model," another wrote. "People are miserable for their own reasons and try to hate on what they don’t understand to make themselves feel better or validated. It’s truly toxic. Just keep on living and loving and pray that these people one day see the light."
You are a great dad, leader, & role model! ❤️
People are miserable for their own reasons & try to hate on what they don’t understand to make themselves feel better or validated. It’s truly toxic. Just keep on living & loving & pray that these people one day see the light. ????????— ♏artha (@_marmar03) November 30, 2019
Another Twitter user said, "most of those folks can't even lead themselves out of dysfunctional relationships but got a whole lot to say about someone having a healthy love for and relationship with their child."
Most of those folks can't even lead themselves out of dysfunctional relationships but got a whole lot to say about someone having a healthy love for and relationship with their child.
— Frenchie Phuketup Fuqua (@kimikoko73) December 1, 2019
In a recent interview with Variety, Wade defended his son's decision to attend Miami Pride.
“I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell,” Wade told Variety. “I think as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do.”
The Wade family continued to show their support earlier this year when they created limited-edition shirts for the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, raising funds for the LGBTQ nonprofit.
According to NBC News, Wade was also among the celebrities who came out and supported Lil Nas X when the artist came out as gay.
