Posted by Melanie Nathan, June 16, 2013.
Statement by the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC):
Black gay, bisexual and trans fathers, uncles and brothers play many important roles in the Black community. As caregivers, role models, providers, teachers, friends and leaders, Black gay, bisexual and trans men are invaluable threads in the fabric of the Black LGBT community. Our family would truly not be the same without their contributions, often unnoticed. This Father’s Day, NBJC honors the commitment and compassion Black gay, bisexual and trans men exhibit throughout the year.
The odds are rarely in favor of Black men. Whether a Black father is gay, bisexual, trans or heterosexual, there are endless challenges that threaten their ability to love and live for their children and families. With economic injustice, adoption discrimination, marriage inequality and the prison-industrial complex, Black men of any sexual orientation or gender expression are vulnerable by social standards.
However, they play a critical role in fulfilling their responsibilities in their children’s lives. They, too, change diapers, tie shoelaces, transport their babies to and from school, and cry when it’s time to drive them off to college. They love, protect, support, guide, defend and uplift. 
Supporting fathers in the Black LGBT community means supporting legislation that makes it easier for them to be great fathers. NBJC is proud to support legislation like the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (ECDF), a bill that will deny federal funds to states that discriminate against LGBT families.
For all that you are and all that you do, Black gay, bisexual and trans fathers can count on NBJC to always have their back. The work that we do is strengthened by the fathering that you do. Your love and commitment to your families and our community do not go unnoticed.
NBJC is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. www.nbjc.org
Melanie Nathan
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PoochParkWear customizes hoodies and t-shirts, the good, the naughty, the in between, whether proud or quirky let them be seen. We also offer biker jackets, croc or pleather collars, a variety of collar charms, and our special Zinja beaded collars made by a co-op of HIV-positive South African women, the Sisonke women who weave the beads onto the collars.
Good looking, happy Families! Congratualtions! All of the little ones looks happy and loved. All that is needed to grow up with self worth. I am proud of everyone in the blog! My Father died on Fathers Day. Thank goodness we had time to bury the hatchet. Both of us had grown up enough to know it was the end. Sadly he died at age 54. I see him in many of my actions and habits. I admire him now. Happy Fathers Day Dad, where ever You are!
Wow Rod thats really a tough one . SO young and on Father’s day. I am glad you were able to reconcile- it makes it so much better…