Dwyane Wade used his platform at the Met Gala Monday night to advocate for his daughter Zaya and the transgender community amid anti-LGBTQ+ bills in Florida.

The three-time NBA champion attended the event with his wife, Gabrielle Union, and shared how Republican Florida Gov. Ron Desantis’ anti-LGBTQ+ legislation could affect transgender youth, People reported.

“I don’t know him,” Wade told Variety, adding, “But I do know men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t.”

Wade’s statement was regarding the rising suicide rates among transgender youth in the United States. According to a survey from the Trevor Project, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth thought about committing suicide in the past year.

The CDC stated suicidality is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021, suicide was the second cause of death for people ages 10-14.

Wade told the outlet he chose “acceptance” to honor Zaya and other transgender youth.

“I’m going to step on the side of acceptance, and I’m not going to even go on the other side,” the 41-year-old said.

He continued, “I’m going to focus on acceptance. Let’s make sure our kids have an opportunity to live this life that we all get to live.”

Last month, Blavity reported the Chicago native talked about his decision to move his family out of Florida in an interview for Headliners with Rachel Nichols.

Wade said he left Florida because of state politicians and the strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws they passed. 

“That’s another reason why I don’t live in that state,” Wade told Nichols.

He continued, “A lot of people don’t know that. I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions.”

“I mean, obviously, the tax [situation] is great. Having Wade County is great. But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And so that’s one of the reasons why I don’t live there,” the 41-year-old explained.

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