As we approach Father’s Day, there have been some pretty cool lists about dads floating around the Internet. So of course I had to make a list of my own, ensuring families with double daddies (or one great gay dad) are represented.

I originally intended to intro my list with lots of statistics showing how more and more Americans are in favor of same-sex marriage and adoption. Or how same-sex couples will be counted as families by the U.S. Census for the first time. Or that gay dads have turned up in all manner of commercials and top-ranked TV shows. Or how I belong to a Facebook group of over 3,000 gay fathers.*

But instead let’s just celebrate what makes gay dads unique, as well as what makes them as equally awesome as all the other active, engaged and loving fathers out there.

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1. You’re raised to be caring & compassionate

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And you learn how to put your compassion into action… and be all cute and matchy-matchy while doing it. [Photo courtesy of Andy Miller]

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2. You get to meet all their cool friends

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They never mind sharing their friends (or cookies) with you. [Photo courtesy of Jerry Mahoney]

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3. You learn the colors of the rainbow before all the other kids

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Also, PARADES!!! [Photo courtesy of Henry Amador-Batten]

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4. You can step on all the cracks you want

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And grow up just as loving and respectful towards women as any kid with a mom. [Photo courtesy of Brent Almond]

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5. You get the best cuddles

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Complete with tickly beard kisses. [Photo courtesy of Jere & Andrew Lorenzen-Strait]

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6. They went through A LOT to become your parents

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Regardless of how you became a family, you can rest assured you were wanted and planned for — sometimes long before you were even born. [Photo courtesy of Brian Copeland]

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7. You may not be biologically related, but the resemblance is uncanny

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Even if it’s not, there’s never any question whose kid you are. [Photo courtesy of Scott Thomas]

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8. You travel in style… and with options

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It’s not extra clothing. It’s a wardrobe change. [Photo courtesy of Silvio & Jeff Weisner]

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9. They teach you about patriotism…

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Families with gay dads are as grateful for their freedom as any other Americans. And I mentioned how much we love parades, right? [Photo courtesy of the DeOliveira Scappaticci family]

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10. …and equal rights for everybody

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Someday soon, families with gay dads will be equally American in every sense. Until then, the march continues. Please hold hands. [Photo courtesy of the DeOliveira Scappaticci family]

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11. Every day (month, year, etc.) is a celebration

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They never grow tired of showing how much they love you. Or throwing a party. [Photo courtesy of 2Dads+4]

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12. You learn important life skills at an early age

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What?!? It’s a SMOOTHIE. [Photo courtesy of Jon Kinyon & Rick VanDerSnick]

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13. You may not all be the same color, but you always match

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And you may all have different personalities, but there’s no doubt you’re family. [Photo courtesy of Monroe Moore]

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14. Luckiest daddy’s girl EVER

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Double the daddies, double the doting. [Photo courtesy of Jere & Andrew Lorenzen-Strait]

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15. Never a lack of sparkle

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And never a lack of reasons to accessorize. [Photo courtesy of Earl Fenwick Jr]

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16. You learn about giving back to the community

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And which is your best side. [Photo courtesy of Rich Madaleno]

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17. They stick with you, even through the zombie apocalypse

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And no one ever complains about the smell. [Photo courtesy of Jose & JT Mendez-Trevino]

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18. You get to see the world from new heights

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Multi-purpose shoulders: to cry on, to lean on, to rise above it all. [Photo courtesy of Seth Taylor]

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19. THEY ROCK

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Plus you get a strong foundation of love, acceptance and self-confidence. [Photo courtesy of Tom McMillen-Oakley]

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20. They teach you all about superheroes…

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They’re always down for dressing up. [Photo courtesy of Brent Almond & Nick Pirulli]

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21. …and introduce you to real ones

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Including powerful, wonderful women. (Get it? Because she’s Wonder Woman!) [Photo courtesy of Brent Almond]

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22. You get to be in your parents’ wedding…

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Experience the joy of seeing the two people that love you most promise to be your family forever. [Photo courtesy of Brad Letson & Brad Benton]

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23. …which is always FABULOUS

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Sorry, I tried to get through the list without using the word “fabulous.” But seriously, how could I resist here? [Photo courtesy of Brad & Nick Schlaikowski]

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24. You always feel safe

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And when you don’t, see number 5. [Photo courtesy of Silvio & Jeff Weisner]

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25. If you’re really lucky, you’ll grow up to be a thoughtful, appreciative (and witty) adult — just like your Dads

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24 years of reminding him to write thank you notes really paid off. [Photo courtesy of David E. Hales]

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I really could have gone on and on (and may yet). In the mean time, be sure and tell your dads — gay or otherwise — how AWESOME they are. Happy Fathers’ Day!

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*All of these photos are from real dads, all of whom are part of the Gay Fathers Facebook group. Click here to join!

For more fun and feelies, visit and Like Designer Daddy on Facebook and follow along on Twitter.

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