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. 🚨

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🏳️‍🌈 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

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🎶 Edited by: Jerson Barajas

🎵 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol

🎨 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato

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📜 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!



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Every family has a story, but the paths taken by LGBTQIA+ parents are often uniquely creative, filled with both profound joy and specific hurdles. The Queer Family Podcast-LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories is a weekly space where those narratives take center stage. Host Jaimie Kelton, a queer mom herself, guides conversations that are as laugh-out-loud funny as they are deeply moving. Each episode features candid interviews with a diverse range of guests, all sharing the intimate details of how they built their families-from adoption and fostering to IVF, surrogacy, and co-parenting. You’ll hear how these families navigate school systems, healthcare, and everyday social situations, tackling challenges with resilience and humor. This podcast digs into the real stuff of queer family life, covering topics across parenting, health, fitness, and sexuality, all through an authentic LGBTQ lens. The goal isn’t just to share stories; it’s to normalize and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of ways to create a home. Tune in for a sense of community, practical insights, and a powerful reminder that family is about love, in all its forms.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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