The Father Visibility Project

The Father Visibility Project

Calling all Gay/Bi/Queer/Trans/Two-Spirited Dads, Granddads or Dads-to-be:
People need your stories!
For Immediate Release
Toronto, Ontario – July 2007 – The Father Visibility Working Group, an ad hoc group of men established in May 2007, has come together to create a unique web-based Father Visibility Project designed to increase visibility and a sense of entitlement to parent amongst gay/bi/queer/trans/two-spirited (GBQT2S) fathers and prospective fathers. The group and project spring from the research done by the Gay Father’s Research Cluster of FIRA (Father Involvement Research Alliance – www.fira.ca). Participants in the research from around Canada noted the extreme invisibility of GBQT2S fathers and support services, as well as a deeply felt lack of entitlement to father.

We believe that you as a gay/bi/queer/trans/two-spirited father, grandfather, or prospective father:
Have unique experiences, insights and wisdom to share that will be valued by others who are, are contemplating, or in process of becoming fathers
Can decrease a sense of isolation and reinforce insights, pride and possibilities for yourself and for other fathers and potential fathers and their families.

To this end, the Father Visibility Project is collecting 10 stories and photos from fathers, grandfathers and fathers-to-be to begin to reflect the ethno-cultural and geographic diversity of Canadian and First Nations gay/bi/queer/trans/two-spirited fathers, and explore the many ways we become fathers. The most convincing and reaffirming stories are those from men "who've been there," or are “going through the process.” Whether you became a father before coming out, after coming out, are on your way or thinking about it, consider sharing your insights with those who could benefit from your journey. All selected submissions will be used in whole or in part, subject to editing. No one's writing will be changed or used without his permission.

If you are willing to write a brief story (300 -1000 words) about your experiences, challenges, discoveries, and joys of being or - thinking about being - a gay/bi/queer/trans/two-spirited father, please send your story and photo submission, including your name and contact information to:
Chris Veldhoven, queerparenting@the519.org, 416 392-6878 x109.

Submission Deadline: September 30th, 2007.

If you are looking for ideas on how to focus your story, please check out: www.the519.org/programs/Queer_Parenting/father_visibility.shtml

All of your stories are important. Even if not selected, we thank you for your generosity in sharing.

This web project is supported by the LGBTQ Parenting Network – Sherbourne Health Centre and Queer Parenting Programmes at The 519. Queer Parenting Programmes is a service of The 519 Church Street Community Centre, a multi-service agency that provides LGBTQ family support and educational programming. The LGBTQ Parenting Network is a project of the Sherbourne Health Centre – a multi-service agency supporting the health and well being of LGBTQ individuals and families.

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For Media Information Contact:
Chris Veldhoven, Queer Parenting Programmes Coordinator at The 519
Tel: 416 392 6878 x 109 Email: queerparenting@the519.org