This Father’s Day, dads across the U.S. are speaking out about their unwavering love and support for their LGBTQ children. Their stories come as a counterpoint to the growing wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation targeting trans youth in particular.

After Mickey Lopez’s child Nadya came out as a trans girl, he realized that in order to keep her in life, he needed to change.

“There’s a lot of people out there who want families like ours to fail,” he said during a sit-down video with Nadya. Released at the end of May, their video is part of a new project by leading LGBTQ advocacy organization Gay, Lesbian & Allies Against Defamation (GLAAD) who launched their “Here We Are” campaign, showcasing trans-adoring families to combat their report that 71% of people claim to have never met a trans person.

Additionally, Legendary basketball player Dwyane Wade has inadvertently become an advocate for trans children since his middle child Zaya came out as a trans girl at the age of 12. Just last month, the duo launched “Translatable,” an online trans platform dedicated to supporting families of color.

A recent poll by The Trevor Project shows growing acceptance among parents of LGBTQ children and for dads, the numbers are significant. A New York University research from 2019 also reported that father support, specifically, is protective against the negative effects of perceived discrimination. Paternal support even has the ability to mitigate heart disease risks in LGBTQ youth.

While parental numbers are shifting, the political landscape is getting more hostile. Last year saw a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills, and this year is on track to surpass that. Many bills target trans youth, aiming to restrict everything from sports participation to the use of preferred pronouns in schools.

Some states in particular have led with high numbers of anti-LGBTQ legislation, such as Oklahoma, Missouri, West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, South Carolina and more. On the other hand, states like New York and New Mexico have become “sanctuary states,” providing protections for not just their LGBTQ residents, but those from outside states who seek resources elsewhere.

In the face of unrelenting push to setback the progress of queer and trans liberation, dads share with Reckon their unwavering love for their LGBTQ kids this Father’s Day in hopes that other dads will join them in fighting towards a better world for their children. Here’s what they have to say:

Carlos Enriquez, Loxahatchee, Fl.

“My child Alyza is transmasculine and nonbinary. It’s been important to support Alyza because in addition to all of life’s trials and tribulations, Alyza has to face a world and society that would rather judge a person by pre-determined perceptions rather than their character. Alyza has taught and given me the strength to question and resist these norms that come from society’s fear of anything that might not fit its mold.

My message to dads who struggle with acceptance is that life is short, and you are not guaranteed tomorrow to relish the love and pride your child brings you. Love them, accept who they are and their happiness. You don’t want to be facing your final days on this earth regretting you missed out on all the love and pride only a child brings.”

Michael Walk, St. Louis, Mo.

“My daughter is transgender. We raised our girl as a son because we didn’t know any better. Looking back, there were clues, but they were only obvious if you thought about the possibility she was transgender, and this never occurred to us. It all made sense when she finally told us what was up, that she was transgender. I had to have it literally said to me by my kid, but once she did, how could I not accept her? How could I not respect her bravery in taking the chance to trust us?

It wasn’t easy. I misgendered her and deadnamed her constantly for a while; I had known her as someone else for 14 years. Four years later, I can only think of her as my daughter. If you’re a dad, your role is to love and support your family. None of us knows exactly what that means when we sign on as a dad; we have to be flexible and figure out who our kids are, what they like, and what makes them tick. My daughter was very cagey about that for a long time, but I’m so grateful to know her as she is. It’s worth the trouble and abuse we get from our government. Why would I want her to pretend to be something she’s not? Now that she’s living as herself, she’s happy and successful, and that’s exactly what I want for her.”

Aaron Edwards, Edmond, Okla.

“My kid Easton identifies as gay and prefers he/them pronouns. This is new in the last year or so and I am working hard to use “them” as much as I can. They don’t consider themselves nonbinary necessarily, but more like they prefer to not be a “bro” or “dude,” and they enjoy exploring their less masculine side. I was the toxic, masculine male growing up and felt like I had to conform to a certain image. I grew up playing football and soccer and every other sport and masculinity was a very important trait to possess, and those areas. But as I opened my eyes after my child came out and started living authentically. I could see the joy that being true to themselves brought them and how they started thriving, and it also opened my eyes to the idea that I could be true to myself. I stopped worrying about putting on a masculine tough façade and it opened me up to a pretty beautiful world.

Stop being worried if your son plays with their sister’s dolls or dresses up in their bright colorful dress up clothes. What’s it gonna hurt for a little boy just to feel pretty and have fun in a pink dress or baking in the kitchen with their mom? Don’t get embarrassed and scoop that child up in your arms to hide what they are wearing, worried that your neighbors are going to see them running out of the house in a leotard and tutu. Don’t kill that smile on their face just because you’re worried about a neighbor. And lastly, get to know the queer kids your child runs around with. They will teach you more about living authentically and courageously than anyone else could ever teach you.”

John Bianco, Long Island, N.Y.

“I have always supported my queer daughter in everything and anything she likes to do. I guess I don’t really think about the LGBTQ thing a lot. It doesn’t really matter to me if she’s straight or gay—it’s all the same to me; I just care that she’s happy and healthy. I would imagine some dads are more concerned with how people will view them because they have a kid that’s LGBTQ, but that Dad should ask himself: does he love his child any less? If he does feel he loves his child less because they’re LGBTQ, then shame on him.

My advice to a dad that is struggling would be to realize that if somebody tried to physically attack your child, you would instinctively step in to protect them, and you should do the same if somebody is mistreating your child because they are LGBTQ.”

Graham Colton, Oklahoma City, Okla.

“My nine-year-old daughter identifies as a transgender girl. I feel it’s important to support our kids’ journeys in discovering and living their authentic lives. I simply want to meet my child where she is and stand beside her. She is the bravest person I know.

My message to other dads is you can and will always be your child’s protector. Create a safe and open place for your child to talk to you even if it’s slow going. Block out the noise from those that aren’t sitting at your kitchen table. It’s a beautiful journey and your kid needs you to be on it with them every step of the way.”

Rick Colby, Columbus, Ohio.

“When my son Ashton told me he was transgender, I told him I loved him, that we’d figure it out together and he didn’t have to do this alone, and we’d do it the right way and get the best care. He’s my hero. I don’t see being a loving parent of a trans child as conflicting with my masculinity. If anything, seeing my son fight to achieve and express his masculinity has given me an even greater appreciation for it. Ashton exemplifies the best traits of masculinity.

To my fellow dads who have a trans child: There’s nothing to fear. Just love and support them, listen and let them guide you. Keep an open mind. Sometimes as a parent, you’re presented with things for which you have no frame of reference—I certainly didn’t. You will see your child reborn and achieve the fullest expression of their soul and who they’re meant to be.”

Bill Aul, St. Charles, Mo.

“My son identifies as transgender. I love my child unconditionally, and I have always supported them in everything they have done, and will continue to do so into the future. While others may perceive my support and advocacy as a vulnerability, I disagree. For me, it’s the most natural thing in the world to be there for all of my children, in every aspect of their lives.

I think it’s important to stay informed, follow my heart, do what I know is right, and tune out the noise around me. Loving and supporting one’s child is never the wrong decision, regardless of anyone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. Get involved! Advocate for the people you care about. Whether a parent is most comfortable behind the scenes or marching at the front of the pride parade, do what you can to stay informed and live your values. And above all, keep the PFLAG tagline at the forefront of everything you do: ‘Lead with love.’”

Mickey Lopez, Miami, Fl.

“When Nadya began her transition I was probably the tougher one to get through for support. But I came to the realization I either have to get on board or lose my child. Watching Nadya live her life inspires me and it makes me feel special that she’s my daughter. It is ok to be vulnerable and admit you don’t know all the answers. You then need to educate yourself and be flexible.

I want people to know that our kids are very special. Their journey is like no other and it’s important that we stand by them, not just as parents but as friends and pillars of support. The world is rife with stigma against the trans community, making it crucial for us to provide a safe and affirming space where our children feel truly seen and valued.”