I just want to buy a Father's Day card that isn't about beer and BBQs

He's off to fish, or perhaps he's grilling with a funny apron on - or he might be in the garage, pretending to tinker with his cherished car but actually sipping on beer and avoiding his spouse.

He is, or rather, he was the person whom I perceived to be a "dad" in the card store that I visited recently while searching for the ideal Father's Day card.

I left the store feeling disappointed and empty-handed. It was frustrating to see such a large selection of cards, yet not find any that properly represented my father. He's a wonderful person and happens to be gay, and I couldn't find a card that reflected that.

My father has a greater fascination with Strictly compared to Match of the Day.

He enjoys cultivating flowers on his balcony, exploring Europe by train, and creating watercolor paintings.

For an older man, these hobbies are typical and not out of the ordinary. However, they do not fall under the conventional "dad" activities such as football or fishing, which is why Father's Day festivities do not fully represent him.

Although he is an amazing and kind father, I have yet to come across a card that conveys the message that a homosexual man has the capability to be a father, and furthermore, a respectable one at that.

Based on data presented by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are roughly 212,000 families in the UK consisting of individuals of the same gender. This marks an increase of 40% in comparison to figures from 2015. Furthermore, the number of same-sex couples that are raising kids has grown from 4,000 in 2010 to 12,000 in 2013.

Father's Day cards do not acknowledge two fathers or appreciate a parent's efforts to surpass discrimination and become the greatest version of themselves.

Honestly, my father isn't bothered about us commemorating the occasion. Though, he does feel grateful when we present him with a card or a tiny present, he doesn't hold it against us if we don't. This is why I make it a point to discover something unique for him every year.

Back when my stepfather was still alive, I remember adding an additional ‘s’ to any cards that had ‘My wonderful dad’ written on them.

I used to purchase plain cards that had beautiful photographs on them. Then, I would write my own personal messages on them. This made the cards unique and extra special.

The card from the previous year displayed an old-fashioned image of a woman wearing a decorative headpiece, accompanied by the phrase: 'Occasionally, you must adorn your crown and recollect that you are royalty!'

It brought joy to my father and I felt pleased to see him smile. However, it would have been better if there were suitable options available from the beginning.

I wish there was greater inclusion of LGBTQ parents to ensure that all families feel welcomed to join in the festivities. Children shouldn't have to feel excluded simply because their family structure differs from the norm.

Playing cards might display images of parents who are of the same gender, such as depictions of fathers knitting, playing games, or enjoying the outdoors.

Cards don't always have to be humorous or showcase particular interests. Instead, why not consider a heartwarming picture of a father embracing his children?

I believe that many other people also desire to see more assortment and inclusivity showcased.

Family structures have undergone significant transformations in recent decades.

According to my father, back when I was younger, he used to be the only father who pushed the stroller or stood at the school entrance alongside all the mothers. However, the concept of a typical, nuclear family has evolved, and it's no longer a given that Dad goes out to work while Mom stays at home to take care of the children.

There are fathers who are solely responsible for raising their children, fathers who identify as gay and have children, and fathers who take care of children with disabilities. It's unfair to assume that most fathers don't want to be involved in childcare or parenting.

The present-day family is much more varied and fascinating in comparison to the household of half a century ago. However, the creators of cards view things in an outdated manner and continue to use old-fashioned clichés. I am curious as to why they have not adapted to the current era yet?

Naturally, credit card corporations must appeal to conventional moms and dads and elderly individuals.

Many families appreciate the sentiments and connect with the themes expressed in Father's Day cards, often finding one that suits them well.

Many fathers enjoy spending an entire day putting worms onto fishing hooks or drinking beer while watching football.

That's fantastic news for those people, but what about the individuals who would prefer to perish than resort to ingesting a group of larvae to stay warm?

I plan on gifting my dad a beautiful flower arrangement and a heartfelt card to show my appreciation for his kind and giving nature. I'm even willing to get creative by making my own present or scouring through Etsy for a unique and personalized gift.

Perhaps it is opportune to reevaluate the entire celebration. Rather than making jests about Typical Father tropes, we could give more attention to the sentiments of tenderness and fondness and embrace the various expressions of fatherhood.

We should honor amazing fathers, regardless of how non-traditional they may be!

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Additional: Greetings for Step-fathers on Father's Day to Share Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating fathers and father figures. And while it's always important to show our appreciation for dad, it's equally important to recognize the role of step-dads in our lives. Whether they've been with us for years or have recently joined our families, step-fathers play an important part in shaping who we are and helping us grow. So on this Father's Day, take a moment to thank the step-dad in your life with a heartfelt message that shows just how much you appreciate him.

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