Perez Hilton's Upcoming 'Gay Dads of New York' Show Shouldn't Air on TV, Says AFA
Hollywood blogger Perez Hilton will star in a new reality TV series that will follow the lives of single and married gay men who live in New York City trying to balance careers, personal lives and fatherhood.
"Gay Dads Of New York" will showcase Hilton, who welcomed a son via surrogate earlier this year, and a group of other gay dads, living life as "the typical American family," according to Hilton. However, Christian-based organization, American Family Association (AFA), says Hilton's show should not air on television.
"We know, according to research done by Mark Regnerus at the University of Texas, that same-sex parenting is not optimal for children," said Bryan Fischer, director of issues analysis at the AFA, to The Christian Post, referring to a sociology professor's controversial study on the outcome of gay parents' children.
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He added, "In fact, Regnerus determined that children raised in same-sex households fare worse on 77 out of 80 possible outcomes, whether we are talking about unwanted sexual touching, emotional stability, academic performance or substance abuse. This is a parenting style to avoid at all costs, not celebrate on TV or anywhere else."
In a statement, Hilton said that his family dynamic is standard in America these days and wants to create a show that is "compelling and real" filled with "love, humor and drama," as he navigates being a new dad in search of possible love.
"Up until now, people know me more for my opinions than who I am. This show will give viewers the opportunity to get to know the 'real' Perez Hilton and my family, as well as some other really dynamic gay dads, and the women that make up their support system. I am a recent transplant to New York City, looking for friends and open to hopefully love," said Hilton.
According to his blog, the show is currently casting and has yet to be shopped to networks. But AFA says networks should "out of compassion for vulnerable children, give a flat no" to the show.
If picked up, the show will be executive produced by Jonathan Murray from Bunim/Murray Productions, who has produced shows like "The Real World," "Project Runway" and "Keeping Up With The Kardashians." Murray also said in statement that he responded to the idea of "Gay Dads of New York" because he and his partner were part of the first gay dad support groups in Los Angeles during the late '90s.
"Whether it's a single dad like Perez or married gay dads, becoming a gay parent affects your relationships with family and friends, all of which will make fascinating stories," said Murray.
Despite Hilton's and Murray's positive comments about the show, AFA's Fischer says children should not be raised by homosexual parents and is calling for awareness on the issue.
"We should make every effort to put children in an optimal nurturing environment, which is in a home where they are raised by a mom and a dad who are married to each other," said Fischer.
