Zaya Wade Reveals College Struggles at Glam ‘Translatable’ Ball.

Model-activist Zaya Wade marked her 19th birthday by hosting the second annual Translatable Ball at The Mayan in downtown Los Angeles on May 30, drawing celebrities, LGBTQIA+ leaders and fashion insiders to a masquerade-themed celebration that doubled as a fundraiser for trans-youth organizations. Arriving in a custom crystal-trimmed Miu Miu suit, Wade told reporters that the night’s goal was “visibility,” adding, “Even though this is a masquerade, we are not meant to be hidden; we are meant to be seen”. The event spotlighted ballroom culture with live vogue battles and performances curated in partnership with local houses, while sponsors H&M, CANN and FWRD matched guest donations to the Translatable Project and the Trans Wellness Center. Supporting her in the front row were father and NBA legend Dwyane Wade and step-mom Gabrielle Union, who praised Black queer culture for “leading everything” and encouraged attendees to “leave feeling an expansion in their life”. The family founded the Translatable Project last year to create safe spaces and resource hubs for LGBTQIA+ youth. The birthday milestone caps a breakout year for Zaya, who walked her first Paris Fashion Week runway for Miu Miu, fronted campaigns for Ulta Beauty and Off-White, and earned a spot on GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 list for her advocacy work. Off-the-catwalk, the freshman biology major says college has taught her “how to carve out queer joy wherever you are,” noting that she hopes to blend science and activism by researching gender-affirming healthcare in marginalized communities. With nationwide anti-trans legislation intensifying, Wade urged young people to “find your people” and promised that Translatable will expand to Chicago and Miami later this year. “There are people around who are in your corner,” she said, echoing the night’s rallying cry that trans youth are, indeed, meant to be seen.