Houston gay dads celebrate fatherhood.
by Tori Laxalt
Here in Houston, we know gay dads make great parents; so much so, that we have our very own gay dads group, called Fathers First Houston.
Designed for men who have “sired children the old-fashioned way,” Fathers First Houston offers confidential and anonymous support for gay men who are divorced, separated with the intention of divorcing, or still married with no intention of divorcing. The group’s meetings concentrate on issues concerning children, adolescents, spouses, ex-spouses, divorce, step-families, coming-out, and relationships. Meetings are held every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Bering Methodist Church (although they are not church affiliated).
OutSmart chatted with a few of the group’s members to see how they plan on celebrating with their families this Father’s Day.
“My daughter and I are having brunch at Peli Peli, a South African restaurant that has a great Father’s Day special!” —Remy Lopez
“We’re going to have a relaxing day, maybe hang out at the pool and get something to eat. Just something low-key—it’s all about having fun with the kids.” —Jim Evans
“We are in Italy! My daughter, my fiancé (Jim), and I just arrived in Italy and will be visiting my father (who lives here) and meeting up with my fiancé’s father (who is on a trip here to visit the town that his father was born in)—two gay dads spending the holiday with their straight dads in the beautiful country of their ancestry. It is a special Father’s Day for all of us!” —Marco Zannier
Other gay fathers (not affiliated with Fathers First) have expanded their families through adoption, surrogacy, or by other means. OutSmart spoke with a few of these Houston dads about their Father’s Day plans as well.
[Steven Tesney kindly ruined the surprise for his partner, Grant Caplan, for us!] “Grant is the strategic one, I pull off the surprises! Our daughter and I will start by making breakfast in bed for him. Then, we’ll call all four grandfathers to wish them a Happy Father’s Day. After, we’ll head to Galveston to have lunch at the Mosquito Café and check out the latest exhibit at the Galveston Arts Center.” —Steven Tesney
“Well Father’s Day is always special for us because there’s two! Father’s Day for us is as much about pampering as it is about togetherness!” —Grant Caplan
“This is an unusual Father’s Day for us. Last year, my father died, so following Jewish tradition, we’re in New York to dedicate his gravestone.” —Dr. Stewart Zuckerbrod
For more info on Fathers First Houston, visit fathersfirstofhouston.com.
