On Fathers Day
A brief love note
I don’t know if I’m going to call my Dad today. As of right now, I don’t want to. I love him, and yes I’m grateful for the ways he has shown up in my life—but do I want to celebrate the man who said my marriage was a “choice I’d have to live with?” No.
Instead I’d like to express my gratitude for all the times I’ve seen a man be the Father I wish more children got to have.
Happy Fathers Day to the men who love and encourage their children, unconditionally and enthusiastically. To the men who step up when they are needed. To the men who protect and uplift. To the men who recognize the need for their affection when another man has let a child down.
Happy Fathers Day to the gay, queer, and trans men who I’ve called Daddy. To all the men who fill the void that the men who raised us left. To all the men who are willing to show a younger generation how to navigate this beautiful, terrifying life. To all the boys who have and will someday call me Daddy, and all the men I have and will someday call Daddy—
I love you all.
