When Luca Trapanese learned there was a little girl with Down syndrome in need of a home, he did what any single, 41-year-old gay guy would do… He adopted her!
Luca, who lives in Italy and says he always wanted to be a father, adopted Alba in 2017. Barely two weeks old, she had already been rejected by 20 families, including her biological mother, because of her condition.
“Since I was 14 years old, I have volunteered and worked with the disabled,” Luca tells the BBC, “so I felt I had the right knowledge and experience to do it.”
In Italy, the law dictates that only married heterosexual couples between the ages of 18 and 45 are allowed to adopt, and single parents can only do so under very special circumstances.
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“It was very difficult because I still wanted to be a dad,” he explains. “They told me that they would only give me children with illnesses, severe disabilities, or behavioral problems.”
So when he learned Alba was in need of a home, he immediately said yes then went down to the hospital to sign the papers.
“When I held her in my arms, I was filled with joy,” he recalls. “I felt that she was my daughter immediately. I knew I was ready to be her father.”
Luca says his story is unique because it “destroys many stereotypes about fatherhood, religion, and family.”
Luca describes now 18-month-old Alba as a determined kid who can be a bit stubborn at times. But, hey, she’s a toddler. He also says she loves to play and dance, meet new people, and, of course, spend time with Dad.
“I will spend the rest of my life with a girl I love,” Luca says, “and we will do many wonderful things together.”
Scroll down for more pics of Luca and Alba…
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
The absolute definition of love…..
To those abhorrent noxious pukes who would never consider adopting this child for a nanosecond, but would fight like hell to prevent a Gay person from adopting her:. I take solace in the FACT that you will suffer in torturous agony for all eternity in the darkest corner of Hell,….
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sfhairy
What an amazing man.
Cam
Wonderful story!
Chrisk
“They told me that they would only give me children with illnesses, severe disabilities, or behavioral problems.” What the eff is that? Straights get the normal ones and gays get the rejects. That’s BS.
To be fair though it does take a special kind of person to adopt a kid like that. Although she seems like a happy and cute kid.
[email protected]
well if you are a rich gay man or rich couple it seems to work. am adopted. my parents waited years
kernowcraig
Rejects? a child like that! She’s a beautiful little girl, the same as every other beautiful little girl. And you’re an asshole!
nm4047
I don’t think your being gay had anything to do with it. I’m guessing from the comments rejection is common in your existence.
jcoberkrom
What a lucky man!
She’ll be a pain around the age of 8, but become a sweaty thereafter.
Kangol2
This is a really beautiful story. He’s quite handsome too.
hayesj
There is not much news to smile about lately but this made me smile. Thank you.
Aj76
What an amazing story, an amazing man & a gorgeous little girl….
This story brought tears to my eyes.
It’s unbelievable what real love makes you do. Absolutely loved it.
Thanks for reporting it Queerty.
jackmiddlefield
This. is. beautiful. With all that’s wrong in the world, I am grateful that people like Luca Trapanese shine like stars in the dark sky.
TonyNYLV
What beautiful souls brought together. I admire and respect Luca very much. I’m f/t care giver to my 32 year old nephew with Down Syndrome. It’s a lot of work, but the pay off is so worth it. He’s going to experience a lifetime of unconditional, pure love from his daughter. As she will from her dad. I wish them all the happiness in the world.
ElPillo
Bravi!
dustashed
I’m amazed at the comment section right now; so far not much negativity; these are the types of stories that brings our community together; brings out the better sides of us as humans 🙂
nm4047
you may want to re-read Chrisks’ comment
Polaro
She does look like a totally delightful child.
masterwill7
Such a hero!!! Wonderful beautiful man!!
scotshot
True unconditional love.
The hypocrites around him need to take lessons from his example.
Ed Hawkins
Thank you for this story. What a loving and lovable guy and little girl. I just finished reading today’s Washington Post, so this piece was VERY much appreciated. All the best to Luca and Alba.
nitejonboy
God bless him, such a wonderful man, and she looks downright adorable…I would have done the exact same thing without even thinking twice. Children are a gift from god, and need loving parents with patience and understanding. He’s going to be a great dad!!
Inspector 57
I think Chrisk may not have expressed himself as well as he usually does, but I understood what he meant, and I didn’t think there was any meanness in it.
I’m old enough to remember when HIV surfaced. There was no same-sex marriage then, and, really, no gay rights. Queer people were LEGALLY forbidden from adopting children.
Except, except… When HIV hit, suddenly my state decided that, well, okay, okay, a gay guy or a gay couple could take in an HIV-positive child that nobody else was willing to take.
So, yeah, I think Chrisk was right on. Alba is a beautiful girl, but she had been treated as a “reject” by potential parents and by the government.