Home / Topics / Gay Dads & Adoption Stories
Gay dads share the choices, relationships, and personal experiences behind adoption. Hear LGBTQ+ adoptive fathers discuss open adoption, agencies, birth families, and the journey to parenthood.
Explore firsthand stories from queer dads, intended parents, advocates, and family-building professionals.
Oct 2026
Thinking about surrogacy? Wondering how gay couples, LGBTQ parents, single parents, and cancer survivors build families through gestational surrogacy? In this episode of Fathernetics , host Jameel Mayers sits down with Sunshine and Casey fr
Listen to this story →
Sep 2026
What happens when a Britney Spears superfan, Pride celebrations, and the emotional journey to parenthood all collide? In this episode of Fathernetics , Jameel Mayers sits down with Chris and Robbie to talk about building a family through su
Listen to this story →
Aug 2026
In this heartfelt interview, ally and friend of the show, Dr. Adam Anthony, shares his journey as a black adoptee, the importance of transparency in adoption, and how his experiences shape his advocacy for supporting young men of color and
Listen to this story →
Aug 2026
Ever wondered what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ couple navigating the wild world of adoption, parenting, and good old southern hospitality? Well, buckle up because this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and heartwarming insights straight
Listen to this story →
Jul 2026
What happens when you stop living for survival and finally start living as yourself? Friend of the Show Stef Vachon joins Fathernetics to talk about bullying, homophobia, therapy, figure skating, the Gay Games, and the long road to self acc
Listen to this story →
Jul 2026
This episode of Fathernetics explores LGBTQ parenting through adoption, fostering, and raising teens in today’s world. Adrian and Shane Potter share their journey into fatherhood, including the emotional realities of fostering and how it sh
Listen to this story →
Jul 2026
What happens to kids who never get adopted? In this episode of Fathernetics, Rita Soronen, president and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, breaks down the real state of foster care in the U.S. This conversation goes beyond hea
Listen to this story →
Apr 2026
In this episode of the Fathernetics podcast, Alex and Dustin share an honest, wide-ranging conversation about life as LGBTQ+ parents. From their shared love of music and concerts to their journey through fostering and adoption, they reflect
Listen to this story →
Apr 2026
In this Fathernetics podcast episode, Nathan Serran shares his perspective on modern fatherhood through adoption, offering an honest look at raising two daughters with intention, presence, and emotional awareness. The conversation touches o
Listen to this story →
Apr 2026
This episode brings Jameel Mayers and Casey Benson together for a real conversation about fatherhood, homeownership, and the emotional work behind raising kids with intention. They get into cultural differences, immigration stories, family
Listen to this story →
Feb 2026
In this powerful episode, Emmanuel opens up about planning a magical Disney trip for his daughter, navigating fatherhood through surrogacy, and the heart of intentional parenting. He shares the highs and challenges of raising a child in tod
Listen to this story →
Feb 2026
This episode of Fathernetics explores the real journey of parenting and adoption through the eyes of two LGBTQ dads. Jameel, Jason and James talk about raising kids with intention, navigating the adoption process, and building a strong foun
Listen to this story →
Feb 2026
Graham Martin joins Fathernetics host Jameel Mayers for a real, funny, and thoughtful talk about modern fatherhood. From parenting through extreme weather and raising kids with completely different personalities to youth sports, homeschooli
Listen to this story →
Jan 2026
In this engaging conversation, Ricky shares his experiences as a single dad navigating the complexities of parenting, creativity in Halloween celebrations, and the journey to fatherhood through adoption. He discusses the importance of commu
Listen to this story →
Jan 2026
Did you meet Meryl Streep? Brian James shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in West Virginia to a career in musical theater and film in New York City. He talks about becoming a dad, moving to the suburbs, and why representation i
Listen to this story →
Jan 2026
Jameel Mayers sits down with Mauricio Chamberlin for a candid conversation about the journey of fatherhood, adoption challenges, and the joy of building family traditions. They discuss how social media shapes modern shopping habits, why nut
Listen to this story →
Dec 2025
Two cousins, one wild conversation. Kalyani grew up without a dad but with a mom who raised a powerhouse. She’s funny, a deep-thinker, a globe-trotting concert junkie, and one of my fiercest allies. This one’s part laughter, part therapy, a
Listen to this story →
Oct 2025
In this episode of Fathernetics , we sit down with John Berno — husband, new dad, and proud father to baby girl Vivian. John opens up about the three-year surrogacy journey that took him and his husband to Mexico, a process filled with chal
Listen to this story →
Sep 2025
Trevor Said WHAT?! Fatherhood Gets Candid In this episode, I sit down with Trevor—an only child, proud husband, and devoted dad of two—to explore the realities and rewards of fatherhood through his lens as part of an interracial LGBTQ+ fami
Listen to this story →
Aug 2025
In this episode, Shawn and Tyler (@shawnandtylerb) kick things off with stories from their trip to see Beyoncé live in Houston. I jump in with my own memories of meeting Beyoncé a few times at church—alongside Kelly Rowland—back in the day.
Listen to this story →
Aug 2025
In this episode of Fathernetics , we sit down with Ethan Levy — whose life story captured national attention when his adoption by LGBTQ parents made the New York Times . Raised between the iconic shores of Fire Island and the vibrant street
Listen to this story →
Jul 2025
Bonus: Paper Cradles Interview: Author Jameel Mayers on Open Adoption & Gay Fatherhood In this powerful episode of Fathernetics , we go behind the scenes of Paper Cradles — a deeply personal and gripping memoir that chronicles the emotional
Listen to this story →
May 2025
🎙 Chassé into Fatherhood: Ballroom Dancer Dad Michael J. Shares the Adoption Journey In this episode, I talk with Michael (@mdjeffersonii) —one of many siblings, a proud Black father, and someone who always knew parenthood was part of his
Listen to this story →
May 2025
🎙 Adoption Chronicles: Destiny’s Story with Nicholas D. — LGBTQ+ Adoptive Dad In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Nicholas (Instagram: @nicnick), to have an open and honest conversation about fatherhood from our unique perspective
Listen to this story →
Apr 2025
🎙 Category Is: Fatherhood Realness – Fathernetics Podcast Introduction In this very first episode of Fathernetics , I introduce myself, the concept behind the podcast—fatherhood, redefined. This show is for fathers, by fathers, covering th
Listen to this story →Gay couples can pursue adoption in the United States. Requirements and processes vary by location and adoption pathway. Fathernetics shares firsthand experiences from LGBTQ+ adoptive dads.
Open adoption can involve ongoing contact between adoptive families and birth relatives. The relationship and arrangements vary from family to family.
Explore Fathernetics interviews with gay dads discussing private adoption, agency adoption, and foster-to-adopt experiences.