By Natalie Rodgers
In a ceremony hosted by the Elevate Prize Foundation, NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Dwyane Wade was awarded the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award in recognition of his advocacy for the transgender community and his work with his foundation. Wade has been a prominent force in the support of queer youth alongside his daughter Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020.
Through the Wade Family Foundation, Dwyane has since used his platform and resources to advance racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights, especially for youth growing up in underserved communities, through social activism and the provision of resources.
Upon accepting the award, Dwyane announced that he and Zaya would launch a new venture to further the foundation’s work for the LGBTQ+ community. Now in its early stages, the father and daughter duo has officially launched Translatable. This digital platform will serve as a safe community space for trans youth to express themselves and provide educational tools for their support systems. Dwyane stated that the $250,000 Elevate Prize funds will be utilized to launch and develop the platform.
Dwyane said in his acceptance speech:
“I am honored to accept the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award and share this honor with my daughter, Zaya, who has served as the catalyzing force behind Translatable. We hope that Translatable provides our youth with a community to support their growth, mental health and well-being and that this space ignites more conversation leading to greater understanding and acceptance.”
Dwyane credits the platform’s origin back to his 16-year-old daughter Zaya. When asked what kind of change she wanted to see for the transgender community, Zaya shared that she wanted parents to understand their transgender children better. Translatable was created as an online space where parents and trans children can safely express themselves. Online spaces are some of the most popular forums for queer communities to seek a sense of belonging.
The Wades’ work for the LGBTQ+ community has already earned the platform backing from the Human Rights Campaign and the Trevor Project, as well as an additional donation from the Elevate Prize Foundation.
“We are honored to present this award to Dwyane Wade and support him and the Wade Family Foundation with the launch of Translatable. Dwyane’s tireless dedication to the trans community and racial justice has illuminated the path toward a more inclusive future,” said Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation. “By bravely confronting societal norms and advocating for change, Dwyane has not only reshaped perceptions but also inspired countless individuals to be more supportive and to embrace authenticity. Moreover, we commend his decision to announce Translatable in Florida—a place where many might feel a sense of exclusion.”
Translatable is available in its earliest stages now at translatableproject.com.
Read more articles for the LGBTQ+ community here.
