‘Just because I’m gay and have MS doesn’t mean I can’t foster kids’
A foster carer who is gay and has multiple sclerosis (MS) is urging people not to rule out fostering over fears they are not the right fit.
Darren Sharpe and his husband James from Ashford started taking in children 12 years ago.
The pair were recently snapped by one of the world’s renowned photographers – who has worked with Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and Queen Elizabeth II – in a bid to raise awareness of anyone being able to foster.
The campaign saw Rankin photograph 17 foster parents who represent the Faces of Fostering from the National Fostering Group and the 55,000 current foster carers in the UK who are offering stable, loving homes to children in need. Research from the group found 46% of LGBTQ+ people and 52% of people living with a disability have assumed that they would be unable to foster. But Mr Sharpe says anyone with concerns over fostering should find out more after being a proud foster parent to many children over the past decade.
He said: “For some people, there might be a list of reasons why they think they can’t foster. When you see the images, you realise just how different we all are and how brilliant that is.
“I don’t want people to rule it out for any reason until they find out about it.”
The 40-year-old has MS so he says it was important for him to have his walking stick in the picture of him and his husband for the campaign.
It comes after 24% of people who were asked what they believe could be a barrier to becoming a foster carer, said it was down to having a disability.
“I wanted to show that actually being disabled is no barrier, being gay is no barrier, no matter what age or colour you are,” he said. “I’ve had MS for more than 10 years now, I really think it’s highlighted the need for different foster carers.
“My husband would be the one running around the park playing football but I’m the one sitting in a chair helping children read, or learn a new game. It’s about different people
bringing different strengths to fostering and having a team around you that helps you draw on your strengths and utilise that to the best of your advantage.
“It’s a really nice way to help a child develop empathy – to live with someone who has different needs to their own and
maybe put someone’s needs first in different scenarios. “The world is a diverse place so why should foster care be any different?”
Commenting on the campaign, photographer Rankin said: “This photo shoot was a celebration of diversity, compassion, and the extraordinary individuals who open their hearts to foster care.
“It was a joy to capture the essence of people from all walks of life, each sharing a common desire to make a difference in a child's life. If you're considering fostering, reach out to National Fostering Group – they will guide you.”