NBA legend Dwyane Wade returned to South Florida on Thursday to engage once more.

Having spent over 14 seasons as a guard for the Miami Heat, clinching three championships and earning the moniker “Wade County” for Miami-Dade County, he remains the franchise leader in various categories, ranging from points and rebounds to personal fouls. However, the battle he addressed on Thursday at The Elevate Prize Foundation’s Make Good Famous Summit, subsequent to receiving the nonprofit’s Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, may be his most intimate yet.

Reflecting on his journey, Wade shared with The Associated Press in a pre-ceremony interview, “We’ve accomplished so much here, so leaving wasn’t a simple decision. Yet, the community’s support for Zaya wasn’t as forthcoming, and that made the decision harder for us.”

Dwyane Wade’s daughter, Zaya, who is about to turn 17, publicly came out as transgender in 2020 amidst a backdrop of anti-trans legislation sweeping through Florida and other states, leading numerous transgender adults to relocate. Consequently, the Wade family sold their Florida residence last year and relocated to California.

During his acceptance speech for the award, Wade graciously shared the honor with Zaya, attributing her as the driving force behind the creation of Translatable, an innovative online platform aimed at supporting transgender children and their families.

He recounted, “The pivotal question posed to her was, ‘If you could change one thing in this community, what would it be?’ For her, it boiled down to the role of parents and adults, including us. She envisioned fostering a safe haven for parents and their children. That vision materialized into Translatable, her brainchild.”

Wade envisions Translatable, funded by the Wade Family Foundation, as a sanctuary for nurturing growth, mental well-being, and fostering crucial dialogues that lead to greater understanding and acceptance. The $250,000 in unrestricted funding accompanying The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award will be channeled towards furthering Translatable’s mission.

Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation, expressed admiration for Wade’s initiatives, emphasizing how they align with the foundation’s ethos. She praised Wade’s transition from sports icon to a prominent figure in the social justice arena, a facet often overshadowed by his basketball prowess.

Jayaram highlighted Wade’s empowerment upon Zaya’s coming out, underscoring the foundation’s eagerness to support his endeavors.

The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, previously awarded to luminaries like actors Matt Damon and Michael J. Fox and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, serves as a platform for recipients to expand their philanthropic endeavors by leveraging the foundation’s resources and networks.

Wade’s advocacy for transgender rights is deeply rooted in his role as a parent. He spoke fondly of the enlightening discussions with Zaya, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance, particularly in regions like Florida, where exclusionary sentiments may prevail.

Comedian and activist Phoebe Robinson praised Wade’s outspokenness on various issues, highlighting his prioritization of humanity over personal gain.

Alexander Roque, executive director of the Ali Forney Center, emphasized the critical timing of Translatable’s launch amidst a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, noting its potential to positively impact the lives of transgender youth facing discrimination and homelessness.

Dr. Michelle Forcier, a clinician at FOLX Health, lauded the creation of an online community tailored for transgender youth, recognizing the significance of celebrity involvement in championing marginalized communities.

She remarked, “The transgender and gender-diverse community lacks the extensive resources wielded by anti-trans advocacy groups. Having a high-profile ally championing our most vulnerable youth and their families could be a game-changer.”