Dane Lenton
Becoming a father at 17 set Dane on a path he could never have anticipated. By his mid 20s, with two children and a marriage behind him, he came to understand and embrace his identity as a gay man. When his ex wife later gave up custody, Dane became a full time single father, raising his children during an era when being openly gay could have threatened his ability to keep them. His life would include long term relationships, enduring friendships, and profound loss, including the death by suicide of a partner of 20 years. Now living independently and dating again, Dane reflects on fatherhood, grief, resilience, and finding meaningful connection later in life.