Father’s Day is here, and while Hallmark might have you thinking it’s all about grills and neckties, we’re here to celebrate a different kind of daddy. That’s right, we’re tipping our hats (and maybe unbuttoning our shirts) to the proud, loving, hot gay dads who are raising kids, breaking stereotypes, and making parenthood look chic as hell.
From pop stars to political figures, these gay dads are doing it all, with style, substance, and a lot of heart. Let’s give it up for the daddies who have redefined what it means to be a father, one fabulous diaper change at a time.
Ricky Martin: Livin’ La Vida Papi
Ricky Martin may have once been the ultimate Latin heartthrob, but today, he’s better known as a devoted father of four. Since coming out in 2010, the singer has spoken candidly about his journey and the complexities of love and identity.
With twin sons Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia, and son Renn, shared with ex-husband Jwan Yosef—Martin has built a loving, modern family. Parenting may not come with backup dancers, but Ricky’s clearly still got all the right moves.
Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka: The Dynamic Dad Duo
When Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka became dads in 2010, they didn’t just double the gay dad energy, they multiplied it. With twins Harper and Gideon born via surrogate, the couple shared their story openly, even joking that they have “suspicions” about which child takes after whom.
But in truth, NPH summed it up best: “We are their parents and I love them both implicitly.” It’s less about genes, more about genius parenting.
Elton John & David Furnish: Rocket Dads
Sir Elton John may have a legacy in music, but his most cherished role is as a dad. With husband David Furnish, he welcomed sons Zachary and Elijah via the same surrogate.
“They’re our primary concern,” John has said. And if you think that’s sweet, just imagine Elton singing lullabies. Swoon.
Matt Bomer & Simon Halls: Hollywood’s Handsome Househusbands
Matt Bomer and husband Simon Halls have three sons: Kit, Walker, and Henry. And in perhaps one of the most wholesome parenting anecdotes ever, Bomer once shared that his eldest “came out” as straight at age 14.
It was a moment of comedic love, and a testament to a home built on love and open dialogue. Hollywood, take notes.
Cheyenne Jackson & Jason Landau: Serving Sass and Sandwiches
Actor Cheyenne Jackson and his husband Jason Landau are raising twins Ethan and Willow with humor and heart. During dinner one night, Willow proclaimed, “I don’t think I’m gay,” and Ethan chimed in: “Yeah, I’m not gay either… but I want to go to the parade.”
Not all heroes wear capes. Some just want to support Pride and finish their mac and cheese in peace.
Pete & Chasten Buttigieg: From Cabinet to Crib
America’s first openly gay Cabinet member, Pete Buttigieg, and his husband Chasten became parents in 2021 to twins Gus and Penelope. Parenthood, Pete says, has been full of joy, even in the chaos.
“It’s the most demanding thing I’ve ever done,” he admitted. That’s saying something from a man who’s faced congressional hearings and toddler tantrums.
View this post on Instagram
Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent: The Design Dads
Design gurus Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are raising daughter Poppy and son Oskar with impeccable taste and profound love. Their emotional journey to parenthood, via surrogacy, remains a powerful example of perseverance and possibility.
When Nate cried in Poppy’s nursery before she arrived, hearts across America melted faster than a candle in a West Elm showroom.
Tan France & Rob France: Queer Eye, Baby’s First Year
Tan France and husband Rob are raising sons Ismail and Isaac, with all the grace and glam you’d expect. Tan has spoken lovingly about giving his children the sibling bond he and Rob each cherished growing up.
Stylish? Yes. Sentimental? Absolutely. Functional diaper bags? Probably monogrammed.
Karamo Brown: From Surprise Fatherhood to Super Dad
Queer Eye star Karamo Brown didn’t expect fatherhood, until he discovered he had a 10-year-old son named Jason. He not only embraced the challenge, but went on to adopt Jason’s half-brother, Chris.
Karamo’s advice to other parents? “Do just as much listening as you do talking.” And that, friends, is dad wisdom 101.
Andy Cohen: Bravo, Daddy!
TV host Andy Cohen welcomed Benjamin in 2019 and daughter Lucy in 2022. He’s been refreshingly candid about his journey, admitting he never thought it was possible for a gay man to have a family.
And now? He’s juggling diaper duty and Real Housewives reunions like a pro.
Anderson Cooper & Benjamin Maisani: News Anchor, Nurturing Dad
CNN’s silver fox Anderson Cooper shares two sons with ex Benjamin Maisani. And while the nightly news can be bleak, fatherhood, he says, is “an extraordinary blessing.”
Grateful to his surrogates and hopeful for the future, Cooper is proof that journalistic integrity and fatherly warmth aren’t mutually exclusive.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson & Justin Mikita: Modern Family, Real Life
Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita are raising Beckett and Sullivan. Ferguson jokes that Justin is the real “superpower” in the family—keeping everyone on schedule while he holds down the chaos.
The only thing more impressive than their parenting skills? That they’re still standing.
Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Black: Diving into Dad Life
Olympic diver Tom Daley and Oscar-winning husband Dustin Lance Black became dads to son Robbie via surrogate. Tom has spoken about the pressure gay dads face to “overachieve” in parenting, just to prove they’re capable.
Spoiler alert: They are. And they’re doing it in gold-medal fashion.
Perez Hilton: Paparazzi Turned Papa
Longtime media personality Perez Hilton is raising three kids, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, all born via surrogacy. And while Perez once thrived on celebrity gossip, he’s now a vocal advocate for surrogacy rights and parenting equality.
Talk about a character arc we can stan.
View this post on Instagram
Let’s Hear It for the Dads
These gay dads are not just breaking barriers, they’re building families full of love, laughter, and a little bit of sass. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate all the queer fathers out there redefining what it means to be a “dad.” Whether they’re famous or not, each of them is proof that love makes a family, and that sometimes, the hottest thing a man can be is a good parent.
