June 16th 2024.
Georgina's dad is a unique and special individual, but unfortunately, he doesn't seem to fit the mold of the traditional "dad" portrayed in Father's Day greeting cards. Instead of spending his day grilling or fishing, he may be found indulging in his love for gardening, traveling, or painting. These may seem like ordinary hobbies for an elderly gentleman, but they don't quite fit the stereotypical image of a "dad" that is often depicted in these cards.
As I walked into the card shop this week, I couldn't help but feel disappointed and frustrated. Out of the hundreds of cards available, not one seemed to truly reflect my dad, who is a kind, gentle, and loving gay man. While he may be more interested in watching Strictly Come Dancing than Match of the Day, or tending to his balcony garden instead of catching fish, these unique qualities are what make him the wonderful father he is. Yet, I couldn't find a card that expressed the idea that a gay man can also be a father, let alone a great one.
In the past, when my stepdad was still alive, I would often add an extra "s" to cards that said "My lovely dad" to include him as well. It's heartwarming to see that there has been a rise in same-sex families in the UK, but it's disheartening that this is not reflected in Father's Day celebrations. While my dad doesn't mind if we celebrate the day or not, I always try to find him something special to show my appreciation for him. Last year, I ended up buying a vintage card with a lady in a tiara, and I added my own message to make it more personal and meaningful.
It's not just about finding the perfect card, but also about feeling included and represented in these celebrations. I would love to see more diversity and representation for LGBTQ parents, so that all families can feel like they are a part of the celebration. Kids should not be made to feel like outsiders just because their family set-up is not considered traditional.
Cards could depict same-sex parents, or show illustrations of dads knitting, gaming, or enjoying nature. They don't always have to be jokey or focus on specific hobbies. A simple image of a dad hugging his kids would also be meaningful and inclusive.
I know I'm not the only one who wishes for more variety and diversity in Father's Day cards. Families have changed a lot over the past few decades, and it's time for card manufacturers to catch up with the 21st century. My dad tells me that when I was younger, he was the only dad at the school gates or pushing a pram. But times have changed, and the traditional nuclear family is no longer the only family structure. There are single dads, gay dads, and dads who care for children with disabilities. The modern family is diverse and interesting, and it's important for card companies to reflect that.
Of course, card companies also need to cater to traditional parents and grandparents, but what about the other dads? There are plenty of families who can relate to the themes and messages on Father's Day cards, but there are also many dads who may not fit into these stereotypes. Instead of joking about the stereotypical "dad" who loves fishing and football, maybe we should focus on the message of love and affection, and celebrate the different and diverse experiences of fatherhood.
This Father's Day, I will be sending my dad a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a card to thank him for being a kind and generous father, even if it means making my own card or searching through Etsy for something personal and unique. But perhaps it's time to reconsider the whole holiday and focus on celebrating the wonderful dads in our lives, no matter how unconventional they may be. Do you have a story to share about your own dad? I would love to hear it. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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