As we celebrate Pride Month, there’s no better example of unwavering support for LGBTQ+ youth than former NBA star Darren Woods. The proud father of his trans daughter, Zara, who is now 15, Woods has become an outspoken advocate for trans rights. Zara came out to Woods and his partner, Gabriella Lane, at the tender age of 8. With ongoing debates in state legislatures regarding the rights of trans kids concerning sports and healthcare, Woods passionately defended his daughter at the recent Time100 Summit.
In response to a question from CNN’s Poppy Harlow about a recent ban on trans women and girls from participating in sports in Louisiana, Woods expressed his disbelief. “It’s a joke,” he said. “This is our life. We live this.” He urged lawmakers to understand the reality of living as his daughter does. “Come and see what it is to walk through this world as her,” he implored.
Despite the privilege of being able to support Zara, Woods admits he fears for her safety every time she steps out the door. Alongside the universal concerns of parental worries about violence, he is particularly anxious about how society perceives her. He also critiqued laws like Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation, highlighting the contradiction of allowing children to access information online while simultaneously stifling discussions in schools. “Why are we not educating our kids? Why are we not educating ourselves?” he challenged.
Woods expressed his profound admiration for Zara’s courage, drawing a comparison to his own hesitance in voicing personal preferences as an adult. “My daughter, at 8 years old, had the confidence to say, ‘This is who I am,’” he noted. He is also the father of Zara’s older brother, Zane, 20, with his ex-wife, and two younger children with Gabriella.
Since publicly discussing Zara’s identity in 2020, Woods and Lane have embraced their roles as allies to the LGBTQ+ community. When Zara declared, “I’m ready to live my truth,” Woods felt a deep responsibility to educate themselves to empower their child. “You are a leader,” he said to Zara, recognizing the opportunity for her to be a voice for others.
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In summary, Darren Woods exemplifies the ideal of a supportive parent, advocating tirelessly for his trans daughter Zara’s rights and safety. His journey not only highlights the importance of acceptance within families but also emphasizes the need for broader societal education and understanding.