Boldness looks different when you’re a gay dad, a former Broadway dancer, and raising a toddler named Maverick in Florida.
To kick off Pride Month, John Corella is joined by Bret and Stephen, Broadway performers, husbands, and proud dads, who offer an honest look at parenting, partnership, and identity. They talk about raising their son Maverick with intention, finding joy in everyday moments, and the kind of quiet courage it takes to show up as a two-dad family in spaces built for straight families.
Where does boldness come from when the world keeps trying to put you in a box? What does it mean to raise a child who sees authenticity modeled at home? Through stories about sobriety, social media, and their dance competition backgrounds, Bret and Stephen reflect on what has shaped them and what they hope to pass on.
This episode questions the norms that still dominate parenting culture and the dance world, and it offers a reminder that being seen can be a radical act of love.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction and Pride Month Kickoff
08:57 Becoming Bold as Gay Parents
15:03 How Dance Competitions Shaped Identity
17:55 Coming Out and Family Reactions
21:03 Advice for LGBTQ+ Youth
23:50 Finding Joy in Parenting and Creativity
26:55 Coping with Online Negativity
36:57 Personal Stories of Addiction and Recovery
42:20 Relationship Advice for Gay Men
44:10 Authenticity vs. Conformity in Gay Culture
47:51 Navigating Monogamy and Open Relationships
53:47 Parenting Challenges and Emotional Growth
56:34 What Fatherhood Has Taught Us
01:00:07 Public Reactions to Gay Dads
01:04:46 Challenging Gender Norms in Parenting
01:16:30 Understanding Straight Privilege in Family Life
01:21:15 How Representation Shapes Queer Families
01:23:11 Celebrating Pride and Building Community
Links
Connect with Bret and Stephen: www.instagram.com/broadwayhusbands
https://substack.com/@broadwayhusbands
Connect with John Corella:
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Website: johncorella.net
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