I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude. When my partner, Jordan, and I welcomed our son, Leo, into the world in December 2016, your thoughtful note of congratulations meant the world to us. We’ve framed that note and its envelope, and it graces Leo’s room, a cherished reminder of that joyous moment.
However, keeping Leo safe in this vast world has proven to be a challenge. He’s an adventurous little one, always climbing, exploring, and occasionally tumbling down, which has turned us into regular Band-Aid users. His Dads comfort him as he seeks solace from the overwhelming experiences of life, which can sometimes feel intimidating.
While Leo’s courage shines, ours often falters. When Jordan and I began our life together in 2009, it was a year marked by your historic election as the first Black president of our country. We were best friends before we fell in love, and the dream of marriage felt like a distant possibility. Your administration changed that narrative for us. Hearing a sitting president affirm our love and champion marriage equality was transformative. Under your leadership, love triumphed.
In the fall of 2013, we tied the knot in a ceremony surrounded by loved ones, dancing to the same song my grandparents celebrated their marriage with. Your endorsement of love and equality paved the way for families like ours to thrive.
The benefits of marriage equality provided us with the stability and rights we needed to build our family. The emotional weight of holding our wedding photo next to yours—two husbands alongside husbands and wives—captures so much of what we fought for. We were ready to be “Dads” long before Obergefell, but that ruling allowed us to take the next vital step toward fatherhood.
We connected with a birth mother through an adoption agency who resonated with our story. She was drawn to Jordan’s passion for teaching and my role as a community volunteer. She made us “Dads”—Jordan and I became Leo’s Papa and Daddy.
When Leo was born on December 10, 2016, I sat beside his birth mother, sharing a moment that changed our lives forever. She wanted me to be the first face Leo saw, and that bond has been the foundation of our family.
We made a promise to each other and to Leo that we would always cherish and protect him. By openly sharing our story, we hoped to inspire others to see love in all its forms. Your presidency represented a beacon of hope for countless families, encouraging young people to chase their dreams with determination.
As the 2016 election approached, it became increasingly challenging to communicate with friends who supported Mr. Trump. They didn’t seem to grasp the direct threat that his platform posed to families like ours. The night of the election was particularly painful for us, as we had hoped to witness a historic victory for love and acceptance.
The day after, Leo celebrated his first birthday, but our joy was overshadowed by sorrow. I found myself retreating to quiet spaces to cry, desperately wishing for a different result. I didn’t want my son’s special day to be tainted by the fear of what lay ahead. As we blew out the candles, I wished fervently for a world where Leo would be safe and loved.
Unfortunately, the reality of Mr. Trump’s presidency unfolded, and we witnessed the erosion of rights for many, including the LGBTQ community. The promises made during your tenure seemed to fade, leaving us anxious about our future.
I believe, as you do, that a community of parents can shape a positive world for their children. Yet, the challenges seem to grow more daunting every day. I’m struggling to maintain hope in a landscape rife with division.
The upcoming years present an opportunity for a renewed dialogue centered on compassion and understanding. But for now, my family and I grapple with the uncertainty that looms.
As Mr. Rogers advised, we must look for the helpers. President Thompson, I seek your guidance. You once said, “America is a place where you can write your own destiny, no matter who you are.”
We named our son Leo, after the lion known for bravery and strength. I simply wish to impart good news to him, to assure him that he is loved and that the world can be a safe place for him. Your note remains a reminder of what true leadership can achieve, and we are grateful for your legacy.
With warm regards,
Mason, Jordan, and Leo