Dwyane Wade says he's scared to death for his transgender daughter's safety ... saying as more states implement anti-trans sports laws, his fear grows even stronger.
The Miami Heat legend spoke about his concerns at the TIME 100 Summit in NYC this week ... when he was asked -- as the father of 15-year-old Zaya -- about the current struggles for trans youth in this country.
"As blessed as it is for my daughter to have parents who can support her, I’m still afraid every moment she leaves our house," Wade said.
Watch: @DwyaneWade speaks out against anti-trans laws, as he opens up about his daughter at the #TIME100 Summit https://t.co/q8SUg1ayK6 pic.twitter.com/SerwBQkOlr
— TIME (@TIME) June 7, 2022
"And not just because of gun violence, but because of the way people perceive her in this world."
Wade gave a passionate response about his fears ... while also blasting the idea of trans sports bans -- calling out lawmakers for making rules on things he says they know nothing about.
"To me, it’s a joke," Wade said, "This is our life. We live this."
"When you’re out there making rules and if you’re not experiencing this and you're not living this and you're just out there signing away and making laws, that's not right. That's a joke."
FYI -- Louisiana just became the most recent state to pass a bill preventing trans women from competing in women's sports ... joining states like Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and more.
Wade added, "Come and live a day with my daughter. Come and see how it is to walk through this world as her."
Wade says he is frustrated that we're "losing the humane side of us" ... claiming in reality, he believes people should take the opportunity to educate -- instead of being dismissive.
"We're not gonna close the book on anyone being gay, bisexual transgender -- we can't close the book on that!"
Zaya came out publicly, with Wade beside her, as transgender in February 2020.