Gay das

By Jacqui Tomlins, as seen under Rainbow Families

Gay men are taking an increasingly active role in parenting through fostering, co-parenting and surrogacy. In recent years, the increased prevalence of out gay dads has helped raise visibility and drive a positive shift in community attitudes. Rodney Chiang-Cruise talks about the challenges and rewards of creature a gay dad – and highlights some of the specific issues they face.

How different is it being a gay dad?

Being a dad – irrespective of how you recognize your gender or sexuality – involves all the same hopes and fears, and all the delight and excitement, too. So much of what we do every day is just parenting and the fact that you’re same-sex attracted or trans or linear is irrelevant. That said, there are some distinct challenges for gay dads, but most of the time they can be overcome with some look after and a positive attitude.

Many rainbow families find the people in their immediate community – teachers, neighbours, coaches – are really supportive, and that most of the negative stuff they hear comes from the TV. The people who oppose us hold a big platform and a loud voice, but it’s important to r

Life As A Gay Dad: With Ashley Scott

“It takes a village to elevate a family and if you don’t feel standard by that village, it’s a lonely place” – Ashley Scott

In this episode of The Father Hood podcast the team talks to Ashley Scott about his personal experience with being a gay dad and his interaction with other LGBTQI+ families through his work as Executive Officer at Rainbow Families. Rainbow Families aims to ‘build a community which fosters resiliency by connecting, supporting and empowering’ LGBTQI+ families.

Ashley talks about the challenges and opportunities he has experienced as a gay dad, especially how the freedom from traditional gender roles has allowed himself and his loved one to divvy up the household and parenting perform in a unique way that best suits each person. He also discusses his work at Rainbow Families and how his interactions with other LGBTQI+ families has allowed his two daughters to interact with children sharing similar family dynamics as successfully as have access to positive female role models, which he feels is important to provide.

Ashley feels that his work with Rainbow Families is helping LGBTQI+ families feel more accep

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