From Foster to Forever: A Gay Dad's Journey Through UK Adoption

From Foster to Forever: A Gay Dad's Journey Through UK Adoption

Author: Jaimie Kelton – Queer Parenting & LGBTQ Families'. March 24, 2025 Duration: 1:03:28

Jaimie sits down with Liam—a Scottish-born, England-based gay dad—who shares the winding road he and his husband took to adopt their daughter through the UK’s foster-to-adopt system. From intense evaluations to surprise newborn pick-up calls, this story is filled with love, bureaucracy, and a whole lot of intention.

You’ll hear how growing up under Section 28 shaped Liam’s identity, how he and his husband made the decision to adopt, and why they ultimately said yes to early permanence—despite the risks. It’s a moving, insightful story that shows just how badass LGBTQIA+ parents are.

🚨 Plus, Jaimie shares a personal update on her wife’s chemotherapy journey and why now is the time to secure those second-parent adoptions if you're in the U.S. 🚨

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!

Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code LOVEISLOVE at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!

💡 Interested in advertising? Check out our sponsor packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🎧 Loved this episode?

Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!

🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways

  • (00:01:30) Growing up gay under Section 28 in Scotland
  • (00:08:15) Jaimie welcomes Liam
  • (00:16:00) Why intention is central to queer parenting
  • (00:23:35) “The world’s worst game show”: Deciding what you’re equipped to handle in a child
  • (00:33:55) Foster-to-adopt in the UK: what it is and why Liam and his husband chose it
  • (00:47:40) How a paperwork technicality delayed their adoption by 6 months
  • (01:00:50) Why Liam and his husband are choosing to be a one-child family—for now

👨‍👨‍👧 About the Guest

Liam is a Scottish-born gay dad living in the north of England with his husband and daughter. His story offers a rare and honest look at the UK’s foster-to-adopt process, shedding light on the emotional and bureaucratic hurdles many queer parents face—and the deep joy that follows.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

💬 What resonated most with you?

Drop a comment, DM us, or email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com—we love hearing your stories!


📲 Let’s Connect!

Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

📖 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book on Amazon, IndieBound, or Audible


🎶 Edited by: Jerson Barajas

🎵 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol

🎨 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato

🛍️ Shop merch here

📜 Full transcript & episode info available on our website

✊🏽 Take Action

  • Secure your parental rights with a second-parent adoption
  • Support foster youth and adoptive families
  • Vote, donate, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights

📢 Because representation matters—and queer families aren’t going anywhere.

History is watching. What we do now matters.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code QUEERFAM for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hosted by queer mom Jaimie Kelton, The Queer Family Podcast-LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories offers a weekly space that is both uproariously funny and deeply genuine. Each episode features conversations with LGBTQIA+ parents, hopeful parents, and their allies, delving into the specific joys and hurdles of building a family outside of traditional frameworks. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the paths to parenthood-from adoption and fostering to IVF and surrogacy-and the everyday realities of raising kids in a world that can still feel unfamiliar. This podcast moves beyond theory, focusing on lived experiences that cover everything from health and fitness routines that work for queer families to navigating complex conversations about sexuality and society with children. The goal is straightforward: to share stories that normalize these experiences, elevate diverse voices, and celebrate the full spectrum of queer family life. Tuning in means connecting with a community, finding resonance in shared challenges, and gathering a lot of practical wisdom-and laughter-along the way. It’s a resource and a companion for anyone curious about or living within the beautifully expansive definition of a modern family.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Queer Family Podcast – LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories
Podcast Episodes
BONUS- Holiday Chaos and Traditions With The DNR Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:00
Join Derek and Romaine of The DNR Show for a festive bonus holiday episode featuring special guest Jaimie! 🎄✨ We’re diving into holiday traditions, family dynamics, and all the gay holiday cheer you could ask for 🙃🤪. Fro…
Trans Parenting, Polyamory and Redefining Family Narratives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:24
Jaimie chats with Aiden, a trans dad, about embracing differences, self-discovery, and building his family—first as a solo parent and later in a polyamorous relationship. They dive into sperm donation with a known donor,…
Exploring Queer Parenting and Gender Fluidity with Lamia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:06
Jaimie welcomes Lamia to the to discuss zir journey of embracing gender fluidity and using Ze/Zem pronouns. They explore Lamia's experiences navigating parenthood as both a biological and non-biological parent within a q…
The Beautiful Chaos of Queer Foster Parenting and Self-Discovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:05
Katie tells Jaimie about how she went from not wanting kids to ending up with 10 of them. As a queer mom who built her family through fostering and adoption, Katie shares her journey of embracing a queer identity while m…
Building Our Family Against All Odds: Love, Disability, & Transition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:25
Megan and Greyson join Jaimie to talk about their journey to parenthood. They discuss using a known donor, at-home insemination with a Frida Fertility kit, and navigating family planning as an LGBTQIA couple in Florida’s…
Redefining Parenthood: A Queer Guide to Modern Parenting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:35
Jaimie and guest S. Bear Bergman delve into love, family, and LGBTQIA identity against the backdrop of the 2024 political climate. Bear shares his journey from coming out at 15 to 35+ years of activism and parenting as a…
American Teenager: A Deep Dive into Trans Lives Across the U.S [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:27
Jaimie welcomes Nico Lang, creator of Queer News Daily and author of "American Teenager." With the 2024 presidential election looming, they explore the complexities of trans youth experiences and the crucial role of supp…