ABOUT US
The Dads Foundation Inc. (The Dads) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and empowerment for fathers and male-identifying caregivers of transgender and gender non-conforming children.
Our purpose is to foster an inclusive and affirming community. We welcome all fathers and male-identifying caregivers and provide the understanding, resources, and connection as they navigate unique challenges and triumphs while supporting their children in their gender identity journeys.
The Dads Foundation was created by five fathers featured in an Emmy Award-winning Netflix documentary short of the same name The Dads (directed by Luchina Fisher and executive produced by Dwyane Wade), who took a fishing trip in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Realizing the power of their conversations and insights, they decided to make the retreat a recurring event.
Join The Dads Foundation community – where understanding, acceptance, and advocacy come together for a brighter future for all families.
Who We Are?
What We Do?
Compassion in Action
We believe that compassion is a force capable of transcending boundaries and transforming lives. By translating empathy into tangible actions, we strive to alleviate suffering and bring hope to those facing adversity.
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Empowering Communities
Our mission is rooted in the empowerment of communities. We work towards creating opportunities for education, health, and sustainable livelihoods, recognizing that empowered communities are the architects of their own progress.
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Equality and Inclusion
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Meet Our Team
Stephen Chukumba
Stephen Chukumba (he/him) is an activist, advocate, and inspirational speaker. As a single father of four, including one transgender child, Stephen works tirelessly to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. He’s a member of several organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, Garden State Equality, and PFLAG, and frequently speaks on topics like race, gender, and intersectionality. Stephen co-hosts the podcast The Parent Advocate with Lizette Trujillo, discussing his journey as a father of a transgender child. Stephen also worked with youth organizers to produce Trans Prom, the first-ever political action prom for trans youth and adults. He is featured in the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary The Dads, which premiered at SXSW.
Frank Gonzalez
Frank Gonzales is a dedicated advocate for transgender equality, inspired by his transgender daughter Rachel. Frank played a key role in defeating Texas’s anti-transgender bathroom bill in 2017 and has since been at the forefront of fighting numerous anti-trans bills. He continues to push for transgender rights at the local and national levels. Frank’s daughter has frequently testified at the Texas Capitol, and their advocacy has garnered significant media attention. Though most of Frank’s efforts are behind the scenes, he is committed to creating a world where all transgender people receive the love and support they need to thrive. Frank and his story are highlighted in the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Dads.
Peter Betz
Peter Betz is a passionate advocate for transgender and gender-expansive children, drawing inspiration from his daughter Sammi. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Peter has held executive chef roles at prestigious hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and New York Hilton Midtown. In 2012, Peter was appointed to the State Department’s Diplomatic Chef Corps, where he cooked for presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities. Known for his sustainability efforts, he oversees 500,000 bees at the New York Hilton Midtown. Beyond his culinary achievements, Peter serves on the board of Crossroads Community Services, combating hunger and homelessness. Peter is featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Dads.
Wayne Maines
Wayne Maines is the proud father of identical twins, including Nicole, a transgender girl whose story is featured in Becoming Nicole, a New York Times Notable Book. Wayne and his wife Kelly worked to raise their children in an often unaccepting world, and their family’s journey has been celebrated for its advocacy for transgender rights. Wayne has over 30 years of experience as a safety professional and is an Air Force veteran. He has conducted training for organizations such as the FBI, Harvard Medical School, and the Department of Justice. Wayne’s mission is to create safe environments where transgender children and adults can thrive without fear of harm.
Jose Trujillo
Jose Trujillo is an impressionist painter based in Tucson, Arizona, and a father of a transgender son. He serves on the Human Rights Campaign's Parents for Transgender Equality Council, alongside other fathers advocating for transgender rights. Jose’s art, known for its dreamy landscapes and vibrant colors, has gained national recognition. He is one of the subjects in the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Dads. His core message to other parents is to “believe your kids,” emphasizing the importance of trust and unconditional love in supporting transgender youth.
Our Trusted Partners
Our organization truly believes that in working together, we can save more lives than ever before.
Copyright 2024 The Dads Foundation, Inc.