Gay adoption is a wonderful thing, here’s how it changed our lives

One gay couple has opened up to PinkNews about the life-changing impact that adopting two children, who are brothers, has had on their lives.

When George and Martin Lusty met in Brussels as junior lawyers back in 2005, the same year that same-sex adoption became legal under the then Tony Blair-led Labour government.

The couple got married in 2014 after getting a civil partnership in 2010, but knew from early on in their relationship that they wanted to adopt children.

“We settled on adoption pretty quickly to be honest,” civil servant George tells PinkNews, describing why the couple decided they wanted to have children. “For us, a biological link to our children is not paramount. We think you can still be wonderful parents, and have a wonderful relationship with your children, without necessarily having that biological link.”

Martin, who was brought up by his step mum, adds: “She doesn’t see any difference between me and her biological children from her previous relationship. I call her ‘mum,’ my step brothers are my brothers, and there is no distinction. So, with that experience, we knew you could build a family without biological requirements.”

A new home

And, in 2012 they reached out to children’s charity Barnardo’s, which guided them through the process.

George explains that Barnardo’s appealed to them because they have welcomed LGBT+ parents over the years and require families to sign a statement about inclusion and respecting diversity.

“That was so welcoming because we didn’t see many role models ahead of us in our workplaces. There was absolutely no visibility of LGBT+ parents,” George explains.

In July 2014, George, 37, and Martin, 38, picked up their two sons—brothers Oliver and Tom*—from their foster carers and brought them to their new home in south east London.

George (left) and Martin met back in 2005. (Courtesy of Barnardo’s)

“It is life-changing,” Martin, who is a full-time dad for his kids, says of the impact of adopting children. “That’s a given.