Daddy and Papa (2002)Daddy & Papa explores the lives of gay men who have made a decision that is both traditional and revolutionary: to raise kids themselves. Director:Johnny SymonsWriter:Johnny Symons |
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Daddy and Papa (2002)Daddy & Papa explores the lives of gay men who have made a decision that is both traditional and revolutionary: to raise kids themselves. Director:Johnny SymonsWriter:Johnny Symons |
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What if your most controversial act turned out to be the most traditional thing in the world? Daddy & Papa explores the growing phenomenon of gay fatherhood and its impact on American culture. Through the stories of four different families, Daddy & Papa delves into some of the particular challenges facing gay men who decide to become dads. From surrogacy and interracial adoption, to the complexities of gay divorce, to the battle for full legal status as parents, Daddy & Papa presents a revealing look at some of the gay fathers who are breaking new ground in the ever-changing landscape of the American family. Written by Anonymous
Especially given that it only runs an hour, this documentary defied my expectations by digging deeper into its subject matter than most documentaries with a personal component do. I guess I was anticipating that this movie would be a glossy celebration of gay men who choose to raise (and in states where it's legal, adpot) children; while that movie would have served a purpose, it also would've been largely preaching to the converted. Instead, _Daddy and Papa_ smartly anticipates questions people critical or undecided about gay adoption would raise about the practice, and also refuses to steer away from stickly questions as they arrive. Director Symons and his partner speak openly about their own experiences with adoption, and many other children, foster parents, grandparents, birth parents, and gay parents are also interviewed. The impact of gay parents "divorcing" is discussed, as are the specific difficulties that arise from gay white men raising (presumably) straight African-American children, the feelings these childrens have regarding not having a mother, and the way these parents handle widespread perceptions that gay men raising children must face pedophilic temptations. In doing so, _Daddy and Papa_ ends up much more credibly championing its subject matter. In the end, the most indelible impression I was left with is how happy and extraordinarly articulate most of these children seem.