Gabrielle Union Discusses LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy in New Interview
Cheaper by the Dozen star Gabrielle Union discussed the importance of providing unconditional support for LGBTQ+ children in a Buzzfeed interview on Monday.
The 49-year-old actress and mother has always been incredibly vocal about inclusion and equality for queer youth, especially after her stepdaughter Zaya came out as transgender in 2019. From raising money for nonprofits like GLSEN to offering heartfelt advice to parents around the globe, Union has made it her mission to uplift the underrepresented and put an end to LGBTQ+ hate.
“It’s important for us to live and love out loud,” Union stated when asked about parenting 14-year-old Zaya alongside husband Dwayne Wade. “We didn’t exactly understand why [supporting Zaya’s trans identity] was a thing […] because it’s like, we love all our kids out loud.”
The Bring It On alum acknowledged that many people do need an example when it comes to representation—and she is more than happy to provide it.
Union also gave advice to struggling parents. According to the actress, for those who have difficulty understanding/accepting their child’s identity, it is crucial to lead with compassion and allow room for self-expression.
“As our children show up, it is our job to believe them when they tell us who they are,” the actress stated. “And not impose our dreams, hopes, fears, and desires on them.”
With the concerning increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation over the past few months, Union has not shied away from sharing her thoughts. In fact, she even called out Disney over their deplorable handling of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
#WeSayGay #WeSayTrans #TransWomenAreWomen 🧡🌈 https://t.co/4eZSxIRsdY
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) March 8, 2022
“Somebody asked me, ‘Are you disappointed?’ I’m disappointed when my order isn’t right at In-N-Out,” she revealed. “I don’t even think that’s a word that you could use for something like this, where children’s lives are literally hanging in the balance.”
While the odds are continually stacked against trans youth in this country, Union wants children to know they are not alone. “There are people just like you that want you to win in life,” she asserted. “And by win, I mean to survive and thrive. And we will find a way.”
You can read Union’s full Buzzfeed interview here. Also, be sure to check her out in the new Cheaper by the Dozen (now streaming on Disney+).
