Wes, a single gay man, has built his family through adoption and fostering. His story offers a clear and honest look at what it means to be an LGBTQ+ foster carer today. From navigating the system as a single parent to creating a safe and supportive home for children, Wes’s experience highlights the importance of inclusion, representation, and the everyday realities of fostering.
Starting the journey: From adoption to fostering
“My journey into parenting began with adoption. My partner and I adopted a son, and as our family grew, so did our desire to welcome more children. When our relationship ended, I became a single parent—but my dream of nurturing more young lives remained strong.
“I knew fostering could be the next step. My son had been fostered before we adopted him, and I had friends who were already fostering or adopting. I started researching, requested an information pack, and attended an open evening. Meeting the fostering team reassured me that I wouldn’t be alone. The support was there—and that made all the difference.
“For me, fostering has also been a path back to adoption. I adopted my first son, and I’m now on the journey to adopt again. Fostering gave me the opportunity to build a bond and adoption is the right next step.”
Redefining family as an LGBTQ+ carer
“As a gay man, I once questioned what family could look like for someone like me. Growing up, the traditional image of a family didn’t reflect my reality. But over time, I realised that families come in many forms—and all are valid.
“My partner and I had even explored surrogacy. But fostering offered something unique: the chance to make a real, immediate difference in a child’s life.
“I’ve never felt that my sexuality made my fostering journey more difficult. The challenges I’ve faced—supporting children through transitions, building trust, and meeting emotional needs—are the same for any carer.
“What matters most is being a consistent, loving role model. Children need to feel safe, accepted, and valued. When a child can say, “I live with my dad and his partner,” or “my mum and her wife,” that’s a powerful expression of identity and belonging.
“There’s no one “right” way to be a family. What matters is the love and care you provide.”
Supporting children to be proud of who they are
“Fostering is about helping children feel proud of who they are and where they come from. That includes supporting them in expressing their identity, especially when their family setup may look different from their peers’.
“Not everyone will understand. But fostering is about the child—not the opinions of others. It’s about creating a home where they feel seen, heard, and loved.”
Advice for LGBTQ+ people considering fostering
“If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and thinking about fostering, don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.
“The world may not always be kind, but fostering teams are becoming more inclusive and supportive every day. I’ve had an amazing experience with South Gloucestershire Council. The support, the training, and the sense of community have been outstanding.
“If you’re wondering whether you can do it—especially if you already have children or are part of a non-traditional family—the answer is yes. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.”
“Whether you’re single, partnered, LGBTQ+, or part of any diverse background—you belong in fostering. Children need carers who reflect the world around them. They need homes where they feel safe, accepted, and loved.
“If you have the heart to care, the courage to open your home, and the resilience to support a child through their journey, fostering might just be the most rewarding step you ever take.”
Wes’s little fostering moments
Wes shares some little moments as a foster parent that mean the world to him.
Ready to learn more?
Fostering with Pride in South Gloucestershire means creating safe, supportive, and loving homes for children who need them most.
With more than 220 children and young people currently in care, there is an urgent need for compassionate individuals and families to step forward. If you have the time, space, and dedication to make a difference, fostering could be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make.
Reach out us today. Your story—and your home—could be exactly what a child or young person needs.
