Dwayne Wade's Ex-Wife Files Paperwork To Stop Daughter Zaya's Name & Gender Change

by HHL JT

Siohvaughn Funches-Wade is the mother of Dwyane Wade's daughter Zaya, who used to be their son Zion.

Funches-Wade, who was Dwyane's first wife, has filed paperwork that could delay Zaya's sex and name change until the 15-year-old turns 18.

She believes his ex-husband may be using Zaya's gender switch for financial gain.

“I have concerns that (Dwyane) may be pressuring our child to move forward with the name and gender change in order to capitalize on the financial opportunities that he has received from companies,” she said in her legal filing, which is in response to Dwayne asking permission for Zaya to legally change her name from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade.

Funches-Wade acknowledges that Dwyane is Zaya's legal guardian and has the right to make most decisions on their behalf.  However, she argues that Dwyane needs to consult her, the mother, on "major decisions affecting care, welfare, activities, health, education and religious upbringing.”

Since they became female, Zaya has signed modeling contracts and made social media deals.