NBA star Dwyane Wade has left the Sunshine State. The Hall of Famer admitted that he quietly moved his family out of Florida due to the controversial new anti-LGBTQ policies being enacted by the state’s legislature at the behest of Governor Ron DeSantis โ and he’s not the only one saying goodbye.
Dwyane made the big reveal while chatting with Rachel Nichols
The former Miami Heat all-star admitted that he left the state โ even though he’s beloved by fans there โ because of the cruel and unusual new laws being put in place by controversial politicians, according to TMZ. He shared the news on Showtime’s Headliners, when host Rachel asked if he had a message for state legislators in Florida.
The proud father said he made the choice based on what's best for his teen daughter
“I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions,” Dwyane explained, hinting that new proposals including the “Don’t Say Gay” bill would be harmful to 15-year-old Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020.
“You know, obviously, the taxes are 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,” he continued.
This is a big deal considering Dwayne's strong ties to the state
Not only was Miami-Dade County renamed Miami-Wade in his honor, but Dwyane spent most of his career in Florida. He played 15 seasons with the Heat, helping the team clinch three NBA championships. But the 41-year-old was so concerned with Zaya’s welfare that he was willing to leave all of that behind to keep her safe.
Dwyane has been Zaya's biggest supporter over the years
The decision to ditch Florida was probably an easy one for Dwyane. He has been championing Zaya’s transition since she first came out, and fighting her mother, Siohvaughn Funches, in court to help the teen legally change both her gender and her name on all of her official documents. He’s also been by her side as she pursues her new passion: modeling.
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Dwyane isn't the only one leaving Florida and Governor DeSantis in the rearview
The Wades have joined a growing number of concerned families who are opting to quietly move out of Florida (and other states with strict anti-LGBTQ policies) in favor of safer states that will offer support and help to those who wish to transition. We can’t say that we blame them. Hopefully those who can’t afford to move are staying safe and keeping their family close during these difficult times.
