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.
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1. You’re raised to be caring & compassionate
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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
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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
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Also, PARADES!!! [Photo courtesy of Henry Amador-Batten]
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4. You can step on all the cracks you want
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And grow up just as loving and respectful towards women as any kid with a mom. [Photo courtesy of Brent Almond]
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5. You get the best cuddles
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Complete with tickly beard kisses. [Photo courtesy of Jere & Andrew Lorenzen-Strait]
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6. They went through A LOT to become your parents
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Regardless of how you became a family, you can rest assured you were wanted and planned for — sometimes long before you were even born. [Photo courtesy of Brian Copeland]
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7. You may not be biologically related, but the resemblance is uncanny
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Even if it’s not, there’s never any question whose kid you are. [Photo courtesy of Scott Thomas]
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8. You travel in style… and with options
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It’s not extra clothing. It’s a wardrobe change. [Photo courtesy of Silvio & Jeff Weisner]
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9. They teach you about patriotism…
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Families with gay dads are as grateful for their freedom as any other Americans. And I mentioned how much we love parades, right? [Photo courtesy of the DeOliveira Scappaticci family]
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10. …and equal rights for everybody
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Someday soon, families with gay dads will be equally American in every sense. Until then, the march continues. Please hold hands. [Photo courtesy of the DeOliveira Scappaticci family]
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11. Every day (month, year, etc.) is a celebration
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They never grow tired of showing how much they love you. Or throwing a party. [Photo courtesy of 2Dads+4]
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12. You learn important life skills at an early age
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What?!? It’s a SMOOTHIE. [Photo courtesy of Jon Kinyon & Rick VanDerSnick]
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13. You may not all be the same color, but you always match
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And you may all have different personalities, but there’s no doubt you’re family. [Photo courtesy of Monroe Moore]
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14. Luckiest daddy’s girl EVER
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Double the daddies, double the doting. [Photo courtesy of Jere & Andrew Lorenzen-Strait]
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15. Never a lack of sparkle
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And never a lack of reasons to accessorize. [Photo courtesy of Earl Fenwick Jr]
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16. You learn about giving back to the community
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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
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And no one ever complains about the smell. [Photo courtesy of Jose & JT Mendez-Trevino]
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18. You get to see the world from new heights
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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
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Plus you get a strong foundation of love, acceptance and self-confidence. [Photo courtesy of Tom McMillen-Oakley]
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20. They teach you all about superheroes…
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They’re always down for dressing up. [Photo courtesy of Brent Almond & Nick Pirulli]
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21. …and introduce you to real ones
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Including powerful, wonderful women. (Get it? Because she’s Wonder Woman!) [Photo courtesy of Brent Almond]
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22. You get to be in your parents’ wedding…
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Experience the joy of seeing the two people that love you most promise to be your family forever. [Photo courtesy of Brad Letson & Brad Benton]
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23. …which is always FABULOUS
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Sorry, I tried to get through the list without using the word “fabulous.” But seriously, how could I resist here? [Photo courtesy of Brad & Nick Schlaikowski]
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24. You always feel safe
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And when you don’t, see number 5. [Photo courtesy of Silvio & Jeff Weisner]
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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
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24 years of reminding him to write thank you notes really paid off. [Photo courtesy of David E. Hales]
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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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