Zaya Wade to headline world’s largest free LGBTQ+ youth event

Zaya Wade is set to be honoured at the world’s largest free event for LGBTQ+ young people, recognising the model and advocate’s growing work to support a new generation and create spaces where young people can feel seen and celebrated.

The 19-year-old will be the headlining speaker at the 34th annual Models of Pride in Los Angeles on October 10, where she will also receive the Model of Pride Award. The Los Angeles LGBT Center presents the award each year to a positive role model for LGBTQ+ youth, with previous recipients including Dylan Mulvaney, Bretman Rock and Trixie Mattel. 

Zaya’s recognition comes as she continues building her own platform alongside a successful modelling career. In 2024, she and her father, former NBA star Dwyane Wade, launched Translatable, a digital platform and resource hub created to provide LGBTQ+ young people and their families with community, information and support. 

Speaking about receiving the award, Zaya said the Los Angeles LGBT Center demonstrates what can happen when people invest in trans, gender-expansive and nonbinary young people, adding: “Accepting the Model of Pride Award is not just an honor for me; it’s a call to keep fighting for the future we all deserve.” 

Models of Pride has been bringing LGBTQ+ young people together for more than three decades. This year’s completely free event will include performances, interactive workshops, arts and crafts, gaming and karaoke alongside a major resource, college and jobs fair. LGBTQ+ people aged 24 and under are invited alongside allies, friends and families. 

The honour adds to an increasingly impressive few years for Zaya, whose work now stretches across fashion, advocacy and community building. Earlier this year she hosted the second annual Translatable Ball in Los Angeles, an event celebrating trans visibility, creativity and community while also raising support for trans organisations. 

Her appearance at Models of Pride will now give Zaya another opportunity to put that work in front of LGBTQ+ young people directly, while recognising the impact she is already making at just 19.

Readers can follow Zaya’s latest modelling, projects and advocacy on Instagram @zayawade⁠, while updates from the project she created with her father can be found through Translatable⁠ and Instagram @translatableproject⁠. 

Image credit: Zaya Wade / Instagram @zayawade

Sources: Los Angeles LGBT Center⁠ | Models of Pride 2026⁠