June Newsletter

It's June, which means Pride Month is officially upon us! And this year, with in-person Pride events taking place in many cities for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, we can actually even celebrate. 

It can be easy to criticize these celebrations as fluffy. Nothing more than a sweaty mess of booze, bare skin and feather boas. But the absence of Pride marches and other family-friendly events over the last two years has helped me realize how important these fluffy events are for our community — and our kids. 

Yes, Pride started as a riot and protest against police violence and harassment of our community. And we need to stay vigilant, because there is still so much to be angry about. This is particularly true for queer parents and kids, because so much of the crap impacting our community today, in fact, directly concerns LGBTQ families — from the growing number of states introducing bills to allow adoption and foster care agencies to discriminate against our queer parents, to insidiously ridiculous “Don’t Say Gay” bills that could make it illegal for kids of queer parents to even discuss their families in schools. 

We have to keep fighting. But fun, lighthearted Pride celebrations are a part of that fight — the visibility Pride brings each and every year is an amazing reminder to the world, and to us, about just how big, bold and beautiful the LGBTQ community truly is. So I’m ready for the glitter-soaked month this June, because let’s face it: Pride via Zoom just wasn’t the same.

We're also thrilled that today marks the launch of our third season of GWK the Podcast! We’re so excited the Podcast is doing so well and that y'all keep tuning in to listen to it. (If you haven’t yet, make sure to like and subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts!) We have a ton of great guests this season, including Claybourne Elder, star of stage and screen, and YouTube sensation Jonathan Joly. 

The season's first episode — featuring gay dad influencers, José Rolón, Burton Buffaloe and Dustin Smith (shown below) — is a particularly fitting one for the start of Pride Month.

Much like our parades, queer dad “influencers” can often be dismissed as an overly fluffy part of our community. Yes, their content trends towards the upbeat and lighthearted — featuring a Tik Tok dance here or there, or maybe a shirtless beach photo or two. But by simply living their lives as queer dads, and sharing a bit of that life with us through their content, they are helping to normalize our families, and inspire others in our community. As you'll hear on this episode, not a week goes by without someone reaching out to thank them for realizing it’s possible to be both queer and a dad. 

Last month we completely overhauled our store to offer higher quality garments at the same price. With Father's Day and Pride just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick up some new gear using our discount code: FathersDay2022 to get 10% off.

In closing, stay angry this June. Go to protests. Call your representatives. But also take a moment to get out there this Pride (in a way that feels safe and responsible for you and your family). We deserve a big gay old party in the streets this year. Be out, proud, and visible — you’ll be doing more good for our community, and families, than you realize.

Yours in fatherhood, 
GWK