As we approach Father’s Day, there have been some pretty cool lists about dads floating around the Internet. So of course I had to make a list of my own, ensuring families with double daddies (or one great gay dad) are represented.
I originally intended to intro my list with lots of statistics showing how more and more Americans are in favor of same-sex marriage and adoption. Or how same-sex couples will be counted as families by the U.S. Census for the first time. Or that gay dads have turned up in all manner of commercials and top-ranked TV shows. Or how I belong to a Facebook group of over 3,000 gay fathers.*
But instead let’s just celebrate what makes gay dads unique, as well as what makes them as equally awesome as all the other active, engaged and loving fathers out there.
1. You’re raised to be caring & compassionate
And you learn how to put your compassion into action… and be all cute and matchy-matchy while doing it. [Photo courtesy of Andy Miller]
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2. You get to meet all their cool friends
They never mind sharing their friends (or cookies) with you. [Photo courtesy of Jerry Mahoney]
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3. You learn the colors of the rainbow before all the other kids
Also, PARADES!!! [Photo courtesy of Henry Amador-Batten]
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4. You can step on all the cracks you want
And grow up just as loving and respectful towards women as any kid with a mom.
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5. You get the best cuddles
Complete with tickly beard kisses.
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6. They went through A LOT to become your parents
Regardless of how you became a family, you can rest assured you were wanted and planned for — sometimes long before you were even born.
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7. You may not be biologically related, but the resemblance is uncanny
Even if it’s not, there’s never any question whose kid you are.
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8. You travel in style… and with options
It’s not extra clothing. It’s a wardrobe change.
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9. They teach you about patriotism…
Families with gay dads are as grateful for their freedom as any other Americans. And I mentioned how much we love parades, right?
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10. …and equal rights for everybody
Someday soon, families with gay dads will be equally American in every sense. Until then, the march continues. Please hold hands.
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11. Every day (month, year, etc.) is a celebration
They never grow tired of showing how much they love you. Or throwing a party. [Photo courtesy of Juan Luque]
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12. You learn important life skills at an early age
What? It’s a SMOOTHIE.
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13. You may not all be the same color, but you always match
And you may all have different personalities, but there’s no doubt you’re family.
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14. Luckiest daddy’s girl EVER
Double the daddies, double the doting.
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15. Never a lack of sparkle
And never a lack of reasons to accessorize.
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16. You learn about giving back to the community
And which is your best side. [Photo courtesy of Rich Madaleno]
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17. They stick with you, even through the zombie apocalypse
And no one ever complains about the smell.
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18. You get the see the world from new heights
Multi-purpose shoulders: to cry on, to lean on, to rise above it all. [Photo courtesy of Seth Taylor]
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19. THEY ROCK
Plus you get a strong foundation of love, acceptance and self-confidence.
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20. They teach you all about superheroes…
They’re always down for dressing up.
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21. …and introduce you to real ones
Including powerful, wonderful women. (Get it? Because she’s Wonder Woman!)
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22. You get to be in your parents’ wedding…
Experience the joy of seeing the two people that love you most promise to be your family forever. [Photo courtesy of My2Brads]
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23. …which is always FABULOUS
Sorry, I tried to get through the list without using the word “fabulous.” But seriously, how could I resist here?
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24. You always feel safe
And when you don’t, see number 5.
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25. If you’re really lucky, you’ll grow up to be a thoughtful, appreciative (and witty) adult — just like your Dads
24 years of reminding him to write thank you notes really paid off.
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I really could have gone on and on (and may yet). In the mean time, be sure and tell your dads — gay or otherwise — how AWESOME they are. Happy Fathers’ Day!
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*All of these photos are from real dads, all of whom are part of the Gay Fathers Facebook group. Click here to join!
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