Gabrielle Union spoke out about how difficult it is to manage the homophobia and transphobia that her daughter Zaya Wade faces when the family posts photos of her on social media. 

On Taraji P. Henson's new Facebook Watch show, Peace of Mind With Taraji, Union discussed her experience raising Zaya and how much she's learned about trans issues.

“My daughter was my first interaction when it comes to having to deal with this conversation. Hopefully, I'm dealing with it the right way," Union told Henson and her co-host, Tracie Jade Jenkins. "Inside our home, we see the smile on my daughter's face, we see the confidence that she's able to walk around and be herself and that's when you know you're doing right."

The actress went on to share how her daughter was extremely hurt by the social media responses to a photo of her 10th birthday party that was heavily discussed by numerous blogs in 2017.

“And it’s just Zaya standing next to her cake. And that picture was dissected on certain Black blogs. And the comments were guessing as to who Zaya was and why. She said, ‘I felt like I was outed and I was just standing next to the cake,'” Union explained

Zaya came out as trans in February but many blogs and social media outlets used photos of her to stir up debates and discussions online. Union and her husband, Dwyane Wade, frequently post photos of Zaya alongside expressions of pride in their daughter.

However, there have been certain blog sites that have repeatedly posted photos of Zaya and allowed hateful comments and transphobic discussions about the Wade family to flourish within the comments section.

A Thanksgiving photo posted by the former Miami Heat superstar turned into a multiple-day story that headlined many media outlets.

Wade was eventually forced to address the controversy on Twitter, slamming adults online for criticizing a teenager over her appearance. 

The retired NBA player wrote on Twitter, "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!"

Both Union and Wade have spoken at length about the family's journey in supporting Zaya and learning how best to provide a safe environment for her to grow up. 

“As Zaya gathered more language, she was able to tell us about her identity. She was able to tell us about her sexuality. She was able to tell us, ‘I’m trans.’ And she says, ‘I’ve come out a few times,'” Union said. 

Union told Henson and Jenkins that her daughter struggled to deal with the negative comments that came by way of the 2017 photo backlash. She also said Zaya has admitted that the photo has forced her to have to come out repeatedly. 

“She said, ‘Well, I came out to my teacher in the third grade and then [again] when you guys posted that picture of me in Chicago at my birthday party,'” Union said in the interview. 

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