LOVE STANDS STRONG
Supporting your kids takes strength, and
strength takes a village.
To amplify the themes of THE DADS, we are launching an impact campaign and local event series meant to spark discussion, generate understanding, and create spaces for vulnerability among fathers, all while providing tools to empower all dads to become allies for trans and gender-expansive kids.
Below are some ways to get involved:
1.
Become an ally!
We have partnered with The Ali Forney Center, the world’s largest organization dedicated to housing and caring for homeless LGBTQ young people who have been rejected by their families. Through this partnership, we hope to underscore the critical role that families, communities and institutions play in affirming the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
Research shows that trans and nonbinary youth supported by their parents or another caring adult have significantly better mental health outcomes.
Learn more about The Ali Forney Center
2.
Join a Meetup!
We are doing a series of Dads Meetups across the country to create a safe space for fathers to gather, share their stories, learn from one another, and be empowered to stand strong for trans and gender expansive kids.
In May, we launched our first Dads Meetup in New York City and will be rolling out others this year.
3.
Attend a Retreat!
The Dads Retreat is a place for fathers of transgender and gender expansive children to gather for connection, reflection and real support. The retreat grew out of a weekend fishing trip that five fathers of trans kids took with the father of slain gay college student Matthew Shepard in 2022. That trip, captured in the Emmy-Award winning short documentary THE DADS (Netflix 2023), inspired The Dads Foundation. Recently, the Foundation held their fourth retreat, with 32 dads!
4.
Share your Story!
Discover stories of strength, love, and understanding from fathers of trans and gender-expansive kids by exploring the #MyDadStory hashtag across social media.
Feeling inspired?
Tell the story of your own fatherhood journey too. Follow the 4 simple steps to share how you learned what it means to show up for your kid, and what you do now.
Social Graphics:
Share your Story!
4 steps to share your story:
1. Film a quick video of yourself telling your story of acceptance and support as a father, or find a photo that captures the relationship between you and your child.
OR
Download one of our social graphics
2. If you’re posting an image or a graphic, write your story in the caption. For all posts, be sure to use the hashtag #MyDadStory.
Here’s an example of a caption: “It feels great to tell my story of acceptance as a father of a trans child, and how I learned to best support my kid. With Father’s Day coming up, I nominate [@yourdadfriend] to share his fatherhood story too #ProudFather #MyDadStory #LoveStandsStrong”
3. Post your content on your social media accounts. Tag @thedadsfoundation in the post so we can amplify your story even further. We’re excited to hear how your love stands strong 💪
4. Nominate any other dads you know who have a story of acceptance and support by tagging them in your caption. While we’re encouraging dads of trans or gender-expansive kids to tell their stories, all dads are all welcome to share.
5.
Bring the film to your community!
You can bring THE DADS feature documentary to your community by booking a community screening. In addition to licensing the film, you would receive promotional materials, discussion guides and a post-screening survey.
You can also request to have the filmmakers and/or participants join your event in person or virtually.
6.
Help Spread the word
Additional Resources
Sample Social Posts:
what to say
THE DADS is a must see feature documentary, directed by Luchina Fisher, that follows fathers across the U.S. building a nascent movement to support their trans and gender expansive kids amid a shifting political landscape. At a moment when trans families are increasingly targeted, THE DADS offers a counter-narrative rooted in love.
Check out this incredible film that has a started a nationwide movement! Find out where you can watch on the film's official website: thedadsfilm.com
HASHTAGS: #thedadsfilm #protecttransyouth #allyship #upcomingscreening #lovestandsstrong
TAGS: Director/Producer: @luchinafisher Producer: @stephenchukumba Executive Producer: @dwaynewade The Dads Foundation: @thedadsfoundation Production: @littlelightprods
what to post
post images
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