“Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space. Maybe we should trust that, even if we can’t understand it.” – Dr. Brand, Interstellar (2014)
As we gather to celebrate Father’s Day, we must acknowledge the nuances of fatherhood within our vibrant queer community. The concept of fatherhood, in its traditional sense, has been tethered to patriarchal constructs, but our unique experiences compel us to reimagine and redefine what it truly means to be a father.
In the heart of our queer lives, the nurturing figures we choose, or who choose us, often assume the roles conventionally assigned to fathers. These chosen fathers may not bear biological connections, but the bonds forged are nonetheless deep and enduring. These are the individuals who provide guidance, support, and unwavering love, often during our most vulnerable moments. They are mentors, friends, partners, and sometimes, peers who willingly step into this nurturing and caregiving role, constructing an expansive definition of fatherhood that goes beyond normative boundaries.
The rejection and alienation experienced by many in our community amplify the importance of chosen families. These non-traditional families become our sanctuaries, our support systems. Here, fatherhood is not confined to gender—it is a role filled by whoever possesses the warmth, wisdom, and willingness to guide and love unconditionally.
This Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate these figures, the unexpected fathers, the ones who stand with us, and for us, in defiance of rejection and intolerance. We celebrate their resilience and the diversity of roles they embrace.
Let us continue to champion the concept of chosen families. Yes, it’s messy, and it’s complicated. But, as we have learned time and again, love is rarely simple or linear. In that beautiful chaos, in the overlap of heartbreak and healing, we find the true essence of familial love.
On this day and every day, we affirm that fatherhood is a role not confined by gender or biology. It’s a commitment to nurture, to protect, to love. So, here’s to our chosen fathers, who are proof that family is not just about being related by blood but by love.
By: Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer
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