Netflix’s new documentary short film The Dads is described as a gentle meditation on fatherhood, brotherhood and manhood. Five fathers of trans children join Dennis Shepard – the father of slain gay college student Matthew Shepard – for a weekend fishing trip in rural Oklahoma. As the men cast their lines into the river, they find common ground across racial, geographical and generational lines: their unconditional love for their children.
Watch the trailer here:
Directed and produced by Luchina Fisher and executive produced by Dwyane Wade and Jon Marcus, The Dads explores fathers relationships with their trans children and serves as a reminder that “they have to get out and speak, they have to show people that they support their child 100%.”
The trailer reminds parents that “The thread that connects us all is that we love our children and are willing to put everything on the line for other people’s children as well.”
The dads have all become activists by supporting their children, whether they meant to or not. “We all need to get back into the fight.”
“We’re not doing it with our heads bowed, we’re doing it with a full throated support of this movement. We’re letting people know we’re here.”
On Thursday, December 7th, Netflix hosted a special. screening of the film in West Hollywood.
The night also included a panel discussion hosted by GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos with the film’s stars Stephen Chukumba, Frank Gonzales, Jose Trujillo, Peter Betz, Wayne Maines, Dennis Shepard and director Luchina Fisher.
They had a Q&A and discussed their experiences creating the film and the importance of standing up for the trans community in this scary time.
The evening also featured the City of West Hollywood honoring The Dads with an official city proclamation.
Stream The Dads now, only on Netflix.