Two gay men open up about their experience of adopting children
As part of Stonewall’s 30th birthday celebrations, we’re sharing the stories of people affected by a positive change to legislation.
We spoke to Richard and Lewis about adopting their two children, and how they are boosting acceptance of LGBT families.
What does LGBT equality mean to you?
The acceptance of everyone and equal rights to go with it. If we manage to achieve true equality, then everybody, no matter what gender or sexuality, should be able to live together as a positive community and go about their daily lives in harmony.
What made you want to share your story?
We personally have had a positive journey from being two young gay men, who never believed they could have a family, to meeting each other, falling in love, getting married and having two wonderful children through adoption.
Tell us about your own personal star moment.
Same-sex parents adopting children was not allowed due to historic legislation, but the changes to the laws, and the positive movements to achieving equality have now enabled same-sex parents to adopt. We’ve through the adoption process twice, meaning we now have the family life and children that we both never thought would be possible.
What are your hopes for the future?
We have a little boy who is currently three years old and a little girl who is nearly one, so we would really like to see them living in a world without prejudice towards LGBT people. We would like to remove the worries that all same-sex parents probably have about their children going to school and being teased for having two dads or two mums.
We feel that the normalising of LGBT issues is the way to really make big changes to the way people think – it doesn't create conflict, it gives them a chance to open their minds. We’ve also just put together a blog that tells the full story of our route to having a family, including the different emotions felt at each stage, not just what the actual adoption process entails.
We know something like this would have been so helpful when we were considering a family, which is why we want to do this to support any member of the LGBT community who’s considering the same thing.
What would you say to someone who wants to support LGBT equality?
Consider everyone as people and equals before you make any judgments, as you may surprise yourself when you realise just how much love is available out there for everyone. Love is love and love always wins!
You can find out more about Richard and Lewis' journey on Instagram @twodadsinlondon and on their website www.twodadsinlondon.com