Gay couple meets adopted baby for the first time — and breaks down in happy tears

Irrespective of gender, background and other factors, a father's love remains steadfast. Having marked Father’s Day a few days ago, Aaron and Ben are proud gay dads who are immensely in love with their daughter, Charlotte. Ben (@equityben) took the opportunity to reshare the moment he and his partner adopted the girl when she was an infant and it was priceless. Their emotions back then, and their journey ever since reveal that what makes one a father is the responsibility, love, and bond that men share with their children. 

According to the Williams Institute, there are around 2.6 million LGBTQ individuals in the U.S. who parent children under the age of 18. Of these, 21% are same-sex couples raising adopted kids. When it comes to calling them dads, it’s their hard work and determination to raise a child with love that matters. The video captured Ben and Aaron waiting patiently as the nurse walked over with a delicate, priceless baby, wrapped in cloth. In the surreal moment, Aaron couldn’t help but take deep breaths as he fought back tears. Ben, on the other hand, already had tears and smiles simultaneously flowing. As he held the baby in his arms for the first time, he looked at her in complete awe.

Within seconds, the baby woke up and gazed at them with her little eyes. Gleaming with hope, confusion, curiosity and so much more, she had already become both her dads’ whole life at that moment. They couldn’t help but stare in awe and whisper “Hi” to the little girl. Looking back at that memory, Ben penned a heartfelt caption to celebrate their fatherhood. “Happy Pride. It means so much to so many. It means freedom. It means authenticity. It means family. It means love,” he said, going on to share how Charlotte had become a part of their family.

“Charlotte was adopted in 2017 after her 6-month pregnant mother chose us to be her parents. We have an amazing relationship with her and her entire biological family. We visit, call, and text often,” Ben explained. He continued to request support from the world and recognition for his title as a father. He and Aaron have been looking after Charlotte and raising her the best they can. In another video, Ben posted an emotional timeline to mark Father’s Day. With glimpses from the time they held Charlotte for the first time to every year, every random moment, every occasion, and every first step, he shared how they cherished it all.

“Reminiscing about the perfect Father’s Day, yesterday. Being able to rewrite history (in a sense) with the next generation erases the trauma the generation before refuses to fix. We can be the change,” he wrote. @flower.eaters said, “See how they’re in utter awe and beyond thrilled? These are the kind of people who should have kids.” @whimsicial_rose_designs added, “Your reaction hit so hard as a kid who is also adopted. That child will never question how loved she is with dads like you.” @jerseyshoregemini remarked, “With the way the baby girl is looking up at her parents and the parents' reaction... they were always meant to be together.”

You can follow Ben (@equityben) for more content on pride and parenting.