Dwayne and Zaya Wade Create a Safe Haven for LGBTQ+ Youth: The Translatable Project

Matthew's Place
Matthew’s Place
Published in
2 min readJun 22, 2024

By Michael Coppola

Dwayne and Zaya Wade

The internet can be an unforgiving place, especially for young people who are still discovering their identities. For LGBTQ+ youth, this can be particularly challenging, as they can be faced with isolation, bullying, and a lack of understanding from their peers and even family members. The Translatable Project steps in to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves, connect with others, and find the resources they need to thrive.

The Translatable Project recognizes the importance of self-expression for LGBTQ+ youth. The website provides a platform for users to share their stories, experiences, and creativity. There is a submission box, where people can share things, including writing, art, and music. This allows young people to explore their identities and feel a sense of belonging.

The Translatable Project is committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive world for LGBTQ+ youth. The website partners with organizations that share similar values, such as the Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project, and the Wade Family Foundation. These partnerships allow The Translatable Project to provide users with access to a wider range of resources and support.

Zaya Wade is a young woman who identifies as transgender. Dwyane Wade is her father, a celebrated basketball star who is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance. The Wade family publicly shared Zaya’s journey which helped raise awareness about transgender identity. Zaya has spoken about the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, especially those of color.

Leveraging their platform, Zaya and Dwyane Wade co-founded The Translatable Project to address the lack of resources available to LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those from marginalized communities. Their goal is to provide a safe space for self-expression, education, and support for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

About the Author

Michael J Coppola is a passionate 16 year old who has been a performer in theatre and arts since he was 6 years old. Just recently he had the honor of being welcomed to be part of the Be A Friend Project (BAFP) Teen Kindness Board. Some of Michael’s interests include makeup, fashion, and especially singing and acting. At school he enjoys learning Chinese and writing, in hopes to write his first musical in the future. Michael identifies as Gay and Gender Queer and has been advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth since he was very young. He hopes that his work can positively impact others.

--

--

Matthew's Place
Matthew’s Place

MatthewsPlace.com is a program of the Matthew Shepard Foundation| Words by & for LGBTQ+ youth | #EraseHate | Want to submit? Email mpintern@mattheshepard.org