health
Trans dad pens touching ode to daughter who taught him to be "happy & secure" in his gender
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 28, 2026
· 2 min read
On Father's Day, a trans dad published a beautiful tribute to the relationship he has built with his daughter, one in which "gender was never complicated," as he explains it. In a series of cartoons for the New York Times (illustrated by Hannah Jacons), Zach Ellams says that he has been living as a
Key takeaway "I wasn't out to everyone as trans," he wrote, "But with Elliot I had to learn how to talk about it.
Why this matters
The trans dad's heartfelt tribute to his daughter highlights the complexities of navigating gender identity as a parent. By sharing his story, Zach Ellams shows how having an open and honest relationship with his child has helped him confront his own shame and vulnerability. The fact that his daughter Elliot has been able to accept and even celebrate her dad's trans identity underscores the importance of early education and exposure to diverse identities. As Ellams notes, children are often more accepting of differences than adults, and it is the adults who complicate matters. This story connects to the broader national conversation about LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, particularly in the context of family and parenting. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations have long emphasized the need for supportive and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and stories like Ellams' serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that love, acceptance, and openness can have on individuals and communities.
About this story
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Category: health ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? On Father's Day, a trans dad published a beautiful tribute to the relationship he has built with his daughter, one in which "gender was never complicated," as he explains it. In a series of cartoons for the New York Times (illustrated by Hannah Jacons), Zach Ellams says that he has been living as a
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more health coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .