Former NBA Hall of Famer, Dwyane Wade, has recently initiated an online community named Translatable, with the primary goal of offering support for transgender children and their families. This endeavour was inspired by Wade’s daughter, Zaya, who publicly came out as transgender in 2020.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Wade conveyed his motivation for founding Translatable, citing the insufficient support available for his daughter within their community. He underscored the significance of establishing a secure environment for parents and their children, which ultimately led to the creation of the online platform.
Translatable, supported by the Wade Family Foundation, endeavours to enhance the development, mental health, and overall well-being of transgender youth. Additionally, the initiative strives to stimulate meaningful dialogues that foster greater understanding and acceptance within society. Wade intends to utilise the $250,000 US in unrestricted funding associated with The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award to further advance Translatable.
Carolina Garcìa Jayaram, the CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation, lauded Wade’s efforts and expressed the foundation’s backing for Translatable. She commended Wade’s decision to launch the initiative in Florida, a state where many individuals may feel excluded.
Translatable has also garnered support from distinguished organisations such as the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project. The platform will concentrate on aiding communities of colour and emphasise the importance of parental and familial support for transgender youth.
As highlighted by Alexander Roque, executive director of the Ali Forney Center, the establishment of Translatable arrives at a critical juncture for transgender youth, particularly in light of the significant number of anti-LGBTQ legislation introduced this year. Dr. Michelle Forcier, a clinician at FOLX Health, underscored the importance of creating an online community tailored specifically for trans youth, underscoring the significance of electronic and online communication for the younger generation.
The launch of Translatable by a celebrity ally like Dwyane Wade has been regarded as particularly impactful by Forcier. She emphasised the scarcity of resources available to the transgender and gender-diverse community, rendering Wade’s advocacy even more heroic and potentially transformative.
In conclusion, Dwyane Wade’s introduction of Translatable constitutes a notable stride towards providing much-needed support for transgender youth and their families. By leveraging his celebrity status and utilising his platform for a noble cause, Wade has set a compelling example of allyship and sincere support for the LGBTQ+ community.