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Gay Fatherhood Goes Increasingly Mainstream

March 2, 2009 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

Over the past decade, the idea of a gay man choosing to be a father seems to have progressed from somewhat of a curiosity into a more familiar scenario, as concepts about family and parenting skills evolve.

These days, there are a number of resources and a body of parenting advice available to support gay dads, as well as some public figures making headlines with their families.

For example, in 2008, Clay Aiken embraced the role of gay father in a very public way when he simultaneously came out of the closet and introduced the world to his newborn son, whom he had fathered with a surrogate.

“It was the first decision I made as a father. I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things,” the singer told People magazine about his decision to discuss his sexuality.

Gay men have also been increasingly going to court to protect their rights – or change the law altogether.

In November, Florida’s 31-year-old ban on gay adoption was ruled unconstitutional by a judge who said that research has shown sexual orientation is unrelated to the quality of a person’s parenting skills.

Meanwhile, a Californian gay couple who adopted their son from Louisiana also won a lawsuit which gave them the right to both be listed as parents on their child’s birth certificate, despite the latter state’s ban on adoption by unmarried couples.

A handful of states have similar laws in place, which are usually targeted at prohibiting gay adoption, but some are being challenged.

In the most recent case, which has not yet been decided, the American Civil Liberties Union in Arkansas filed a lawsuit to overturn a recently passed ballot measure that says unmarried couples cannot adopt.

It seems that these changes are indicative not just of increasing acceptance of gay rights, but also of the idea that men may be equally eager to flex their parenting skills as women.

CNN recently reported that more single men – both gay and straight – are turning to surrogacy to experience fatherhood, with or without a partner.

Filed Under: Gay Dads

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Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

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In this insightful episode of Great Dad Talks, expert guest Dr. Travis Parry explores the intricacies of modern fatherhood, particularly focusing on entrepreneurial couples and achieving family balance. Dive into his personal journey as he discusses the profound influence of his father, the importance of managing stress, and the surprising role of financial stability in marital happiness. Together, we unravel the keys to balancing business growth with family priorities and how couples can align their financial values for long-term success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply keen on strengthening your family dynamics, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

Check out Dr. Parry’s website at travisparry.com

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