My Story
I'm Jameel Mayers, the host of Fathernetics. I was born in Paraíso, in the Panama Canal Zone, and spent my early childhood there before moving to the United States. Houston later became home during my high school years. My Panamanian roots, family, and community remain central to who I am.
I've shared more than two decades with my husband, Nick. Together, we became dads through foster-to-adopt, and our son, Jacob, changed the course of our lives. Becoming a father gave me a new appreciation for the choices, uncertainties, and extraordinary people behind every family-building story.
That's why I created Fathernetics. The show brings together gay dads, queer intended parents, foster and adoptive families, surrogates, advocates, and allies to share the personal stories behind becoming a parent. We talk about the decisions, relationships, costs, setbacks, and joys that shape the journey.
I also created Gay Ass Book Club, a space for queer readers, queer writers, and queer love. Through author spotlights and conversations, it celebrates the stories that help us see ourselves and each other.
My goal is to make queer fatherhood more visible, more connected, and easier to imagine for anyone considering their own path to becoming a dad.
Listen to Fathernetics ↗