8 hours ago
Gaddies: The Brand on a Mission to Make Gay Dads Unmissable
READ TIME: 20 MIN.
If you’ve ever scanned the playground and wondered if that other dad wrangling a toddler in a rainbow tee might be “one of us,” you’re not alone. For David Morgenstern, founder of Gaddies, that question was the spark for a movement—a movement that’s making gay dads impossible to miss, and impossible to ignore.
“When I became a dad, I looked for community and didn’t feel seen in the marketplace. So I decided to create what I couldn’t find,” David shared in an interview, reflecting on the quiet ache so many queer parents know: the desire to be recognized, not as an exception, but as a vibrant thread in the parenting tapestry .
Gaddies is more than a brand. It’s a rallying cry for visibility, for joy, and for the unapologetic celebration of queer fatherhood. And it’s catching fire for all the right reasons.
“Maybe 90% of parenting is the same,” David explains. “But there’s the 10% that no one is speaking to, and we need to focus on that and tell those stories” . For gay dads, that ‘10%’ is everything from awkward stares at the changing table to school forms that insist on “Mother’s Name,” to choosing family vacation spots with safety in mind.
It’s the micro-moments—navigating a pediatrician’s intake form, or fielding questions at the playground—that define so much of queer parenting. And for too long, those stories have been left in the shadows. Gaddies is dragging them into the sunlight, one witty tee and heartfelt Instagram post at a time (Instagram: @heygaddies).
David’s approach is radical in its simplicity: “I wanted someone to say, ‘I see you and hear you.’” . Through playful apparel and digital storytelling, Gaddies invites queer dads—and their allies—to wear their pride on their sleeves, literally.
Before Gaddies, David cut his teeth in corporate America, holding global leadership roles at Nike, including heading up their PRIDE employee resource group . “I got tired of guessing whether a dad at the park was one of us or just another hipster with a hoop earring,” he quipped, capturing the longing so many queer parents feel for belonging .
That longing turned into action. David channeled his expertise into building Gaddies from the ground up, infusing every piece with intention, visibility, and just the right amount of sass. “What we’re building with Gaddies isn’t just about fashion or fun—it’s about belonging. It’s about making sure every gay dad knows he’s not alone,” David explained .
For David, Gaddies is a vehicle for connection. “Our core consumer is the new gay dad, the existing gay dad,” he said on The Business Gay Podcast. “But there’s also this broader community—supporters, allies, and those who want to show different ways to their own families of loving. They might be wearing the Gaddie shirt as well. It’s an opening to go and have conversations” .
He affectionately calls these supporters “Gaddie baddies”—the moms, aunties, and friends who want to signal their embrace of queer family life. The result? A ripple effect that makes queer parenting visible, joyful, and, yes, a little bit fabulous.
It’s not just about what you wear—it’s about the stories you tell. Gaddies’ digital platform amplifies the lived experiences of gay dads, from hilarious misadventures to hard-won victories. Whether it’s a dad sharing how he advocated for inclusion at his kid’s school, or tips from a queer travel agent on navigating family trips safely, every story chips away at the idea that queer parenting is an outlier .
The brand’s energy is infectious. David’s own son, Simon, is Gaddies’ biggest cheerleader. “Every time a new shirt sample arrives, he yells, ‘NEW GAY DADDY SHIRT!’ It’s the best,” David said, radiating the joy and pride that comes from being out, proud, and seen .
Belonging isn’t just a slogan for Gaddies; it’s a practice. This Father’s Day, Gaddies is collaborating with GWK Academy, a leading resource for LGBTQ+ family building. From May 13 through June 15, 50% of all Gaddies purchases using the code GWK20 go directly to GWK Academy’s mission to help more LGBTQ+ people become parents . As Brian Rosenberg, founder of GWK Academy, put it: “Gaddies is doing more than just selling fun clothing—they’re helping to build visibility and pride for queer dads everywhere.”
For David, this partnership is “a full-circle moment,” a chance to support the very community that inspired Gaddies in the first place.
Of course, visibility comes with its challenges. “We’re thoughtful about safety and always talk through how we want to navigate situations, especially when visiting less welcoming parts of the country,” David has said . But the Gaddies community is proving that pride is a powerful antidote to isolation. As more gay dads step into the light, share their stories, and support each other, the narrative is changing—one playground, one school form, one shirt at a time.
Gaddies isn’t just a brand; it’s a cultural shift. It’s the wink across the park, the knowing nod at daycare, the moment a queer parent feels seen instead of scrutinized. In a world where LGBTQ+ families are still fighting for recognition—and sometimes, for basic respect—Gaddies is a joyful, unapologetic beacon.
So if you spot a dad in a “Gaddie” tee, don’t just clock the style—see the movement. Because as David Morgenstern and a growing chorus of parents are proving, gay dads are here, queer, and absolutely unmissable.
