(CNSNews.com) - Actress Gabrielle Union said Sunday that black transgender people are being “targeted, terrorized, and hunted” every day in the United States, “and there is rarely a whisper about it.”
Union and her husband NBA star Dwayne Wade were honored Sunday with the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards for “their fight for social justice on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.”
“It's humbling to stand here, surrounded by friends and heroes, OGs and icons all working to advance the lives of black people and pay respect to an organization that has led us through over a century of relentless challenge, pain, triumph, and change, and now stands with us again at the foot of a new era of activism,” she said.
"A new era that demands our collective answer to one simple question: Will we fight for some or will we fight for all of our people? Let's just name a couple hard truths: First, the intersection of black rights and the rights of the LGBTQIA, trans, and gender non-conforming people continues to be rough. It’s a huge understatement,” Union said.
“Even as we demand equality at the top of our lungs, we consistently fail to extend our advocacy to protect some of our most vulnerable amongst us, and second, black trans people are being targeted, terrorized, and hunted in this country every day, everywhere, and there is rarely a whisper about it,” the actress said.
“We honestly don't approach this work as activists or leaders as much as we do this as parents, parents who love our children and will do whatever the hell we can to keep them seen and secure, and safe,” she said.
“This is a conversation worth having in ways that can actually build bridges, that don't fan the flames of hatred or division, 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,” Union said.
“So, we are humbled, and we are hopeful for the future. I'm hopeful, we are hopeful that we may witness a real shift in the fight for justice. The moment the movement makes room for everyone, everyone,” she said.
During the introduction of the couple, awards show MC Lyte said in a voice-over that the couple were “inspired by their love for their daughter Zaya.”
Zaya, a biological male who is considered a transgender female, is Wade’s biological child and Union’s stepchild.
On Friday, Wade won a legal battle against his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches-Wade, who is Zaya’s biological mother, to have Zaya’s name and gender legally changed.
Zaya’s birth name is Zion, and as a result of Zion’s legal petition, he will be issued a new birth certificate reflecting the name and gender change.
During his acceptance speech on Sunday, Dwayne Wade said, “We don't stand up here alone, because we know it takes a village. It takes a community. We stand up here today as two people who have worked tirelessly to have resources and access, as two people willing to use our microphones for what we believe and what other families are going through.
“I'm intentional when I use my platform. I recognize what I've been given, and it is my job to uplift the voices of others and share my access and resources. I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter, Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I've wanted to do was get it right,” the NBA star said.
“I have sat back and watched how gracefully you have taken on the public scrutiny and even though it's not easy, I watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself. I admire how you have handled the ignorance in our world. I admire that you face it every day. To say that your village is proud of you is an understatement,” he said.
“Thank you for showing me that there is more than just one way to communicate effectively. You taught me that communication with my mouth isn't enough. I have to also communicate with my two ears and my two eyes. As your father, my job isn't to create a version of myself or direct your future,” Wade said.
"My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, your wishes, your dreams. Zaya. You have made me a better human just simply by being who you were born to be. Our baby girl, Zaya Wade. Thank you for showing the world what courage looks like. I am proud that I was chosen to stand in place as your father. Thank you so much to the NAACP for this incredible honor,” he said.