June 23, 2014, 3:57 PM
Gay adoption, helicopter moms, and a pioneering gay athlete are just three of the stories at this year’s Frameline 38: San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, taking place June 19-29. Actor Alec Mapa (“Switched at Birth,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Ugly Betty”) talked to me about what he wants gays and allies to take away from his new documentary, “Baby Daddy.”
Alec puts gay adoption on the map with Baby Daddy.
What are the most common misconceptions about gay adoptions that this film clears up?
I think the misconceptions are largely about the kids. Children in foster care experience the highest amount of discrimination. After the age of three, the chances of a child finding a permanent placement decrease, and the chances become slimmer for children of color. A caucasian baby girl is seven times more likely to be placed than an African-American boy over the age of three. These are just regular kids who’ve lost their homes through no fault of their own.
Zion came to live with us when he was five, terrified, and sad. As soon as he knew he was safe and loved, he had a chance to be just like any other kid, and we had the chance to become a family. By showing our family onscreen, hopefully the idea of adoption through foster care becomes less intimidating. We’re just your regular same-sex parent, tri-racial family.