Earlier this week on Instagram, BET shared a reel of a powerful speech at the NAACP Image Awards by NBA icon Dwayne Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union. While Wade was accepting the president’s award, the Hollywood power couple used this opportunity to speak on human rights issues — and it was on behalf of their trans daughter, Zaya Wade.
During his speech, Dwayne Wade addressed Zaya Wade directly as a way to “uplift the voices of others and share my access and resources.”
“As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future,” he said. “My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, your wishes, your dreams.”
Union echoed her husband’s statement by noting how Black trans people are targeted across the country.
“This is a conversation worth having in ways that can actually build bridges — that don’t fan the flames of hatred or division,” she said “That don’t enable lawmakers or justice systems to look the other way when Black trans people are under attack, that don’t drive more young people to hate themselves or harm themselves, that don’t cost people their lives. So we are humbled, and we are hopeful for the future. We are hopeful that we may witness a real shift in the fight for justice: the moment the movement makes room for everyone — everyone. Thank you.”
This speech was in February 2023.
And this “future” that we’re currently living in at present isn’t looking great thanks to the actions of our current administration.
However, there has been a “real shift in the fight for justice” when it comes to public figures. While this speech happened in 2023, BET still wanted to remind their 3.3 million followers of that message, which they noted in the caption as being “Still loud. Still clear. Still necessary.”
This past weekend, other high-profile individuals spoke about trans issues during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. While accepting a Grammy during the Feb. 2 ceremony, Lady Gaga got a standing ovation for her remarks.
“It’s such an honor to sing for all of you,” she said. “I just want to say tonight that trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.”
Chappell Roan also used her platform to speak up during a conversation with GLAAD on the red carpet.
“It’s brutal right now, but trans people have always existed and they will forever exist,” she said. “And they will never, no matter what happens, take trans joy away, and that has to be protected more than anything because I would not be here without trans girls. Just know that pop music is thinking about you and cares about you, and I’m doing my best to really stand up for you in every way I can.”
Speaking up for trans people isn’t going to make you popular, especially if you’re one of the wealthy elite. It could make you say goodbye to brand deals, sponsorships, fans and a whole slew of moneymaking opportunities. But do you really need an extra private jet when the trans community is out here fighting for their lives? Speaking out might not make you popular tomorrow. You may lose money. But according to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), “The LGBTQ community spends more than $917 billion every year on goods and services, and they are more than 75% likely to change brands when they know they are LGBTQ-inclusive.”
Basically, if losing money is a concern for you, that money will come back! And it will come from the very community you’re speaking up for. Though…there is also the controversial notion to speak up for the trans community just because…well…the community is in danger, and you care about other people. And if you don’t think the community is under attack, you should read up on Project 2025 and all of the recent executive orders issued in the last few weeks.
Once you’re educated — and hopefully, enraged — use your platform to speak up. Be like BET, Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan. If you have that large of an audience, you have the incredible privilege to show others how to be an ally, and to show this administration that trans people are not going anywhere.
Use your microphone. Yell into it. And don’t let anyone cut you off.