Gay/Bi/Queer (GBQ) fathers are under-represented in all forms of research. In 2004, the Father Involvement Research Alliance’s (FIRA) GBQ Fathers Cluster undertook a unique opportunity to explore father involvement and the experiences of three groupings of GBQ men. Research Scott Duggan conducted interviews with men who had children in the context of heterosexual relationships; those who became fathers in the context of a GBQ identity; and those who are not yet fathers.

Key themes emerging from these interviews include the extreme invisibility experienced by GBQ fathers, issues related to entitlement or lack of entitlement to be parents, and the impact of negative stereotypes associated with GBQ men as parents. The combination of lack of visibility and negative stereotypes has meant that many GBQ men give up the idea of bringing children into their lives. Many are unaware of the options available to them for becoming parents. As well, many men who have had children in heterosexual contexts experience high levels of fear about accessing legal systems to try and gain access to their children because of the perceived homophobia and heterosexism of these systems.

However, though it may not always be visible, there is a budding sense of possibility for Canadian GBQ fathers and those considering parenthood – as witnessed by the The Fabulous Father’s Day picnic held on Saturday, June 14, 2008. This celebratory event marked the 30th anniversary of Gay Fathers of Toronto (the coming-out peer support group for GBQ fathers) and the 5th anniversary of Daddies & Papas 2B (a 12-week course for GBQ men considering parenthood). The event also marked the launch of the Father Visibility Project’s Web Stories. 

WEB STORIES: THE FATHER VISIBILITY PROJECT

The Father Visibility Working Group was created in 2006 to increase visibility, empowerment and the sense of entitlement to parent among GBQ fathers and prospective fathers. We are currently gathering photos and stories from GBQ fathers and prospective fathers. Six of these went online on June 14, 2008, the day of the Fabulous Fathers’ Day Picnic.

To view web stories click on the links on the left side area. 

A huge thank you to:

The Father Visibility Working Group:
Chris Veldhoven, Jack Harmer, Paul Carr and Tim Wilson

All those who contributed to the Gay/Bi/Queer Fathers Cluster Research Project.

All those who created and continue to support: Gay Fathers of Toronto, Daddies & Papas 2B, and Daddy, Papa & Me. 

 

FIRA (Father Involvement Research Alliance) is a national alliance of researchers, community organizations and fathers dedicated to the development and sharing of knowledge on father involvement.

FIRA-CURA is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Community University Research Alliance Program (CURA).

Engaging for change through seven fatherhood research clusters which explore issues related to immigrant fathers, gay/bi/queer fathers, separated and divorced fathers, young fathers, indigenous fathers, new fathers, and fathers of children with special needs

Gay/Bi/Queer Fathers Cluster: Cluster Leader: Rachel Epstein; Community Partner: Chris Veldhoven; Researcher: Scott Duggan

For more info on FIRA: www.fira.ca.