Foster dads Fernando Canteli and Everson Ladson’s Brooklyn home had a room that felt like a ghost of what it once was—an empty space that had once been filled with giggles, messes, and everything that comes with raising kids. But come December 24th, the silence was replaced with the sweetest sound of all: the return of their children, a year after they were taken away. Talk about a holiday miracle.
But let’s back up a bit. What started as a dream to foster two kids quickly became a nightmare of bureaucracy, accusations, and—let’s be honest—straight-up homophobia. And though it might sound like a plot twist from a bad soap opera, this was all too real for Fernando and Everson.
In April 2022, Fernando and Everson, a first-time foster couple, opened their hearts and home to a 1-year-old boy and a 3-month-old girl. They were ready to give them a safe, loving space. But things got complicated fast when their foster care agency started throwing accusations at them. First, it was the usual—improper hygiene, bruises, you name it. All unfounded. Then came the big one: sexual abuse. Again, nothing stuck. But by then, the kids were gone.
So, what happened? Well, Fernando and Everson didn’t just get a raw deal—they got a raw deal because they’re a gay couple. At least, that’s what they believed, and they had some good reason to think so.
It wasn’t just about the kids. The couple was told, straight-up,...
Foster dads Fernando Canteli and Everson Ladson’s Brooklyn home had a room that felt like a ghost of what it once was—an empty space that had once been filled with giggles, messes, and everything t...