Is Criminalization of LGBTQ+ Parents Spreading?

Last night was one full hand-to-hand combat with my six-year-old daughters' bedtime routine. Imagine unicorn towels everywhere and bubbles galore, one twin accidentally trying her hand at ear-shampooing. But eventually, we found our calm—snuggled up in bed with a favorite storybook. Moments like these, where they drift off in my arms, are what every parent treasures: sweet, ordinary, and safe.

The uncertain reality facing LGBTQ+ families

But beneath this everyday joy, there's a heavy cloud looming over my head. Being a dad through surrogacy—legal and above-board when my girls were born—now puts me in a tricky spot. I'm a gay man and an Italian citizen, and Italy's new laws are stirring up a storm I didn't see coming. These laws now criminalize surrogacy no matter where it happened, leaving me in confusing territory just because I chose this beautiful path toward fatherhood.

Technically, they say this law isn't retroactive, but it feels like a slap, suggesting families like mine are somehow wrong. It challenges our very existence, criminalizing us because we love our kids.

A global struggle impacting LGBTQ+ families

Even though my family calls Canada home, Italy's actions feel like they're reaching out with long arms across continents. The U.S. isn't far behind! There, too, some lawmakers are coming after LGBTQ+ rights, IVF access, and reproductive freedoms. It's all part, it seems, a push from certain corners aiming at redefining what a "real" family looks like.

This isn't about protecting children. It's about who gets a say in love and family. Many people misunderstand surrogacy as some frivolous choice, but it's so much more—a road many have no choice but travel, filled with love, sacrifice, and a weedy garden full-of-laws.

My daughters embarked upon life legally, ethically, and with immeasurable love. And yet, Italy labels me a criminal under its new law just because I chose this path and became their dad.

Protecting LGBTQ+ families' future

For my daughters, blissfully unaware, I'm just "Papa." My husband, "Dad." That's their whole universe. While their innocence stays intact, I'm fiercely focused on ensuring their future.

What we're witnessing in Italy isn't some isolated incident; it's a harbinger warning LGBTQ+ families worldwide. Once governments start placing conditions on which families get their nod, where does that road end?

Globally, we're at a tipping point. Will we choose a broad, inclusive family definition or succumb, once again, allowing fear and outdated norms a foothold?

Standing up and fighting back with love

To all lawmakers out there, know this: making it illegal or wrong doesn't keep kids safe—it puts them in danger. For families everywhere, speak up! Shout your stories from every rooftop! Let's make it impossible not just simply acknowledge we exist, but embrace us wholeheartedly.

LGBTQ+ families are living, thriving, brushing little teeth, sharing bedtime tales, and living our truths. We're not fading away anytime soon.

Stay informed, stay vocal. Subscribe, stay in-the-know, and stand up. Together, in understanding and advocacy, let's ensure love—in every beautiful form—is recognized, respected, and celebrated.