Visit us at St. Pete Pride booth 6/29/25 12-5
Advocates for Children of Same Sex Couples
Join us in supporting Same Sex Couples through resources and community.
HOW THIS JOURNEY BEGAN
HOW THIS JOURNEY BEGAN
The Beginning — 2004
This is when our relationship began. At the time, she had a 1-year-old son, and I had a 14-year-old son. We originally met as friends, while she was pregnant and in another relationship. I was at the hospital the day her son was born — I’ve known him since birth.
Three years later, we made the decision to grow our family. Through home insemination with a known donor, we conceived our daughter. I named her, cut her umbilical cord, and was the first person to hold her. From the very beginning, she and I shared an unbreakable bond.
We were together for seven years, until 2011. I ended the relationship after enduring years of emotional abuse — constant accusations of infidelity, betrayal, and suspicion that drained me mentally and emotionally.
Despite the split, we agreed to co-parent. I was a dedicated and fully involved parent from day one. Our daughter was four at the time, and her brother was eight. This was a difficult and painful transition for everyone — especially the children. My home had been their only home, surrounded by a loving community and their older brother, whom they adored.
The Collapse of Co-Parenting
Shortly after she began a new relationship, things changed drastically. I was told to "walk away." But how could I? What parent does that?
She stopped allowing the kids to visit me. I did everything I could just to be near them — showing up weekly at dance class and hockey practices. But the threats escalated: if I didn’t disappear from their lives, she would take legal action.
And she did.
Because I was not a biological parent — despite raising them — she filed for a restraining order under Florida’s stalking statutes. In 2012, the court granted it. I had never committed violence. I had never stalked her. But under the law, being a non-biological parent in a same-sex relationship gave her that power.
Stalking, in legal terms, is grouped under domestic violence — even in the absence of any actual violence.
Fast Forward to 2025
It’s been 13 years. Both children are now over 18. And yet, the restraining order remains. I have recently filed a motion to have it removed permanently.
In the years since, here is what I’ve endured:
She took my children away from me.
She dragged me through court multiple times.
I’ve been treated like a criminal at every hearing.
She drained my bank accounts after the breakup.
She broke into my home eight months after moving out — stealing my computer, files, house keys, social security cards, and more.
I was recently arrested — again — for violating this outdated, unjust restraining order.
All of this — and yet the legal system silences my parenthood, brands me a threat, and continues to punish me for trying to stay in my children’s lives.
THIS, my friends, is why Rainbow Kids Promise matters.
Support Our Mission with Your Donation
Your generous contributions help us provide essential services and support to LGBTQ youth and families. Together, we can make a difference in our community. Join us in creating a brighter future for all.