Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
- GFT
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
In 1978 a group of gay men who were also fathers banded together to establish a peer support group for themselves and other gay fathers. These men had created families the only way then possible, in a relationship with the mother of their children. Nevertheless, facing an unfriendly and judgemental world they wanted to reconcile their conflicted desires and emotions.
In 1981, the book "Gay Fathers" was written, apparently the first of its kind ever published. That collection of “coming out” biographies was based on the actual experiences of GFT men, including several of the men who started this support group.
Canada today is very different from 1978 in many ways. Marriage regardless of gender became legal in 2003 in Ontario and by 2005 throughout Canada. Sexual orientation is not a factor when child custody decisions are made, and there are many ways gay men can become fathers. (http://gayfathers-toronto.com/about-us/)
Places
"Gay Fathers of Toronto" (GFT) is based in Toronto, Canada.