David Titterington’s unexpected journey to fatherhood began when his childhood friend, Jen Wilson, asked him to be her sperm donor. As a gay man, Titterington was thrilled at the chance to be part of his friend’s family and have biological children. On Father’s Day, Jen and Whitney Wilson, along with their three children, will celebrate Titterington at his Missouri home. The Wilsons have created their own traditions around Father’s Day, like many LGBTQ+ families, who may face challenges and isolation on traditional family holidays.
For LGBTQ+ families, single-parent households, and those with strained family relationships, holidays like Father’s Day can be painful and confusing. Schools are starting to become more inclusive, changing events like “Donuts with Dads” to “Donuts with Grown-Ups” to accommodate non-traditional families. Whitney Wilson expressed gratitude for the support system they have, including Titterington and other father figures in their lives. Between 2 million and 3.3 million children under 18 have LGBTQ+ parents, highlighting the growing visibility of diverse family structures.
Cathy Renna, from the National LGBTQ Task Force, noted the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ families in recent years, with Pride events now including family-friendly activities. Recognizing that families come in many configurations is important for children to understand and appreciate. Jen Wilson emphasized the need to celebrate all types of fathers on Father’s Day, not just biological ones, and to acknowledge the positive influence of father figures in various communities.
Titterington, who sees himself more as a godfather than a father to the Wilson children, plays an active role in their lives while respecting the primary parenting roles of Jen and Whitney. Despite challenges and societal expectations, the Wilsons prioritize love and support in their family dynamic, rejecting the notion that the children are lacking in a father figure. Titterington cherishes his role as a father figure, enjoying the joys and responsibilities that come with it, while acknowledging that the children have their primary parents in Jen and Whitney.
The Wilsons, along with Titterington, navigate the complexities of unconventional family structures with grace and love, demonstrating that there are many ways to define and celebrate fatherhood. Despite any challenges or criticisms they may face, they remain confident in their family unit and the love and support they provide to their children. Father’s Day serves as a reminder to celebrate all types of fathers and father figures, recognizing the diverse forms that families can take in today’s society. The journey of the Wilsons, Titterington, and their children reflects the evolving landscape of modern families and the importance of love and acceptance in defining parenthood.
