Fatherhood

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE that we present the new issue of qvMagazine—The Papi Issue! This is an issue that has been a long time in the making and which we feel has great importance in our lives. qvReaders across the country have united to put this issue together. It’s one that we can all be proud of...and one that can serve as a valuable resource for all dads—QV and straight.

Dads! Fathers! Papis! Padres! No matter what we call them, coming out to them can be one of the hardest things we do in our lives. And still, even if we are out to them—even if they know we are QV—just talking to them about our lives, about our QV relationships, ex-boyfriends, current boyfriends is not always an easy thing to do. But why? Perhaps we are intimidated by our fathers, or it might be that we fear that we have somehow or another let down our dads because of our sexualities. Or maybe they feel uncomfortable talking to us because they don’t know how to approach the subject of homosexuality, much less talk about it. Whatever it is, this lack of free and open communication is not only frustrating to us (QV sons), but it’s something that can begin to tear apart that special bond between fathers and sons. Of course, for some of us, we do want to talk to our fathers and develop the father/son relationship, but in some cases, unfortunately, we are forced to keep the lines of communications closed...as there are some dads who don’t want anything to do with us—just because we are QV.

In this issue, we’ll meet one Latino straight father who not only has accepted his QV son, but also has agreed to be interviewed by qvMagazine to talk about his relationship with him. This awesome dad tells us what happened when his son came out to him, and why he has decided to stand by him no matter who he is. Their story is one example of how good life can be if the lines of communication are open.

In addition to this story, you’ll also read a story about a Latino father with kids! This father tells us what it’s like being a QV dad, raising kids, and building a solid family.

And on the celebrity tip, you’ll read some interviews with rock en español groups Ozomatli and Jaguares. Also, you’ll read a special interview with legendary Latin music artist Lalo Guerrero, in addition to a great interview with R&B diva Blu Cantrell.

And last but not least, in this issue, you’ll notice that we have crafted it in a way that will allow you to show your own father what qvMagazine is all about and what being QV is all about. In the past, we’ve gotten letters from readers saying that they have used QV as a way of showing their moms what being QV is all about. Yet, they were still afraid of showing the issue to their fathers so what we have done is create The Papi Issue with fathers in mind. We are hoping you will use this issue in a way that will help bridge the gap between you and your father. So when you’re done reading it, show it to your dad! We hope that it just might open up a new level of understanding between you and your father. Enjoy the Papi issue!

—The qvStaff