The United States, a nation built on the promise of freedom and safety, is increasingly becoming a place of uncertainty for families with transgender children. The documentary The Dadsexecutive produced by NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wadeoffers an intimate look into the lives of fathers advocating for their transgender and nonbinary children in the face of mounting political and social challenges.
The film, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Luchina Fisherfollows a community of fathers over the course of a tumultuous year. From retreats in rural Maine and Minnesota to the aftermath of the 2026 election and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Skrmettithe documentary captures the evolving landscape of gender-affirming care and the impact of political shifts on these families.
The Decision to Leave
For many families featured in The Dadsthe decision to leave the U.S. was not an easy one. Jose Trujilloa naturalized citizen from Mexicospent years advocating for his transgender son, Daniel17. However, the political climate and the threat of retroactive criminalization of gender-affirming care pushed the Trujillos to leave the country.
We came to a point where we realized it wasn’t going to be safe for our family anymoreTrujillo says in the film. His wife, Lizetteexpressed fears about the potential weaponization of her husband’s citizenship and the impact on their child. But then what happens to my child? she asks, highlighting the profound uncertainty faced by these families.
The Political Landscape
The documentary captures the rapid changes in the political landscape, from the collapse of gender-affirming care in hospitals even in blue states to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on care for minors. Producer Stephen Chukumbaa widowed New Jersey father whose trans son, Hobbes19, appears prominently in the film, noted that the original vision was far less political.
We were never trying to make it about fleeing the countryChukumba told The Advocate. That’s just what happened as we were filming. The filmmakers continued documenting the families’ experiences as the political ground shifted beneath them, providing a historical record of the time.
The Power of Parental Love
Despite the challenges, The Dads offers a message of hope and resilience. When asked what he would say to parents of trans kids watching the film and fearing for their family’s future, Chukumba kept it simple: Love your kid, love your kid, love your kid. That’s it.
There is nothing stronger. There’s nothing more powerful. There’s nothing more affirming than the love of a parent for their child — and that is life-saving advicehe said. The film’s official nonprofit partner, the Ali Forney Centerunderscores the importance of parental support in transforming and saving the lives of transgender and nonbinary youth.
The documentary premiered at SXSW in to strong reviews, highlighting the urgent need for understanding and support for families with transgender children in the current political climate.
