The Adoption Exchange is committed to providing welcoming, inclusive, and affirming services to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) children, youth, and families. During LGBTQ Pride month, it’s especially important to highlight LGBTQ adoptive families of all shapes and sizes.

“Colorado is one of 28 states with full LGBT non-discrimination protections; yet, I still hear all too often from LGBTQ folks in Colorado who were unaware that they were ‘allowed’ to legally adopt a child.”

– Employee, The Adoption Exchange

Frank and Jerry Gold didn’t always see adoption as a part of their future, either. In their own words, both men were fully aware that they were gay when they were in high school in the early sixties – Frank in Colorado and Jerry in Missouri. Coming to terms with their sexual orientation wasn’t easy, and they tried to live a “normal heterosexual life.” Because they were devoted Catholics during their youth, they both decided to enter studies to become Catholic priests after high school. They both chose a Jesuit seminary in Florissant, Missouri – Jerry in 1963 and Frank in 1964.

When they met at the seminary in 1964, Jerry was 19 and Frank was 18. They eventually became very close friends. After 10 years of living and working together, they realized that theirs could no longer be a platonic relationship.

“We left the Jesuit community because of its requirement of celibacy and community living. We have been faithfully living with each other for the past 45 years.”

– Frank & Jerry

In 1994, Frank and Jerry wished to expand their family and applied to become adoptive parents with Denver Social Services (now known as Denver Human Services). “We were so fortunate to find a few progressive social workers who were willing to take a chance, at that time, with adoption by two gay men who had been committed in love and faithfulness to each other for 20 years,” Frank and Jerry shared.

With the help of these social workers, they adopted their first son, Tim (age 3), in October of that year. Their growing family was doing so well that they decided, with strong encouragement from Social Services, to find Tim a brother. One year later, they welcomed Dominic (age 4) into their home. Tim and Dominic bonded so quickly, and Frank and Jerry loved parenting so much, that they chose to open their home to another child. In 1999, Demetrius (age 3) became part of their family. Their family was full of love and happiness, but sometimes Demetrius felt like a third wheel with his two older brothers, so in 2002, Frank and Jerry decided to adopt a fourth child named Dante (age 5). Their family was finally complete!

“For the past 24 years, we’ve had the joy of calling ourselves parents for these four incredible young men. Of course, we have also had to deal with adoption issues and typical teenage problems and challenges, but Social Services has always helped us over the years with support and counseling services.”

– Frank & Jerry

Now, as young adults, all four of Frank and Jerry’s sons are thriving and doing well. Frank and Jerry truly love their sons, and their sons love them and appreciate all that their adopted parents have done for them.

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The Adoption Exchange participates in the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children – All Families project, which means that our organization is committed to welcoming LGBTQ families. Every day, more and more LGBTQ people are adopting children in need of loving homes. Learn more and access resources.