The journey to parenthood for gay and queer dads-to-be often involves navigating one of three main paths: surrogacy, infant adoption, or adoption from foster care. For seven well-known gay couples and individuals, the desire to build a family through adoption was a deeply meaningful choice, with some openly sharing the challenges and triumphs they encountered along the way.
From trailblazing fathers who paved the way for others to those who faced and overcame significant obstacles, here are seven of our favorite celebrities and politicians who navigated the adoption journey to create their beautiful families.
Matt Dallas and Blue Hamilton
Actor Matt Dallas and his husband singer-song writer Blue Hamilton embarked on their adoption journey in 2015, when they welcomed their son, Crow, into their family. The couple, who had always envisioned adopting, completed the process through the foster care system. Their experience was filled with both challenges and joys as they navigated the complexities of the adoption process while forming an unbreakable bond with their son. In December 2021, they grew their family again through adoption from foster care, welcoming Rose.
Pete and Chasten Buttigieg
United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten welcomed twins through adoption in September 2021. The couple faced a challenging path, including a failed adoption attempt before finally meeting their children. Throughout it all, Pete and Chasten have been open about their experience, sharing their story to raise awareness and inspire others considering adoption.
Dan Savage and Terry Miller
Dan Savage, the “Savage Love” advice columnist, and his partner, Terry Miller, embarked on their adoption journey in 1999, when they adopted their son, D.J., as an infant through an open adoption. The couple has been candid about the ups and downs of the process, sharing their experiences to advocate for LGBTQ+ families and open adoption. Dan and Terry started the “It Gets Better Project,” a website that aims to prevent LGBT youth suicides.
Lee Daniels
Director Lee Daniels embarked on his adoption journey in 1996 when he became the father of his niece and nephew, Clara and Liam, after his brother’s untimely death. Stepping in as their guardian, Daniels took on the role of a single father, raising them as his own children. His journey was marked by challenges and deep love as he balanced his demanding career in the film industry with the responsibilities of parenthood. Daniels’ experience as an adoptive father has shaped his perspective, both personally and professionally, inspiring him to tell stories that explore complex family dynamics and the power of love and resilience.
Denis O’Hare and Hugo Redwood
American Horror Story and True Blood star, Denis O’Hare, and his husband Hugo Redwood began their fatherhood journey in 2011 when they adopted their son, Declan. The couple, who had always dreamed of becoming parents, pursued adoption through the foster care system. Dennis and Hugo have been open about their experience, sharing their story to encourage others to consider adoption and to highlight the joys and fulfillment that come with building a family through love and commitment.
Alec Mapa and Jamison Hebert
Alec Mapa and Jamison Hebert became dads in 2010 when they welcomed their son, Zion, into their family through the foster care system. Alec and Jamison have been vocal advocates for foster care adoption, sharing their experiences to raise awareness and encourage others to consider this path to parenthood.
Dan Bucatinsky and Don Roos
Dan Bucatinsky, Emmy-winning “Scandal” actor and author of the memoir “Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?: Confessions of a Gay Dad” says raising his two kids has helped him discover his inner “mommyness.” He and screenwriter Don Roos adopted Eliza and Jonah, who are biological siblings, as babies two and a half years apart. Dan and Don have shared their experiences publicly to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ families, showcasing their commitment to creating a loving and inclusive home for their children.
