*Updated from original post dated October 29, 2016.
Hard to believe it was just six years ago that Sophia wrote her letter to President Obama about having two dads and he responded, triggering quite the global sensation and an epic adventure for our family.
A different election season this time around, don’t you think?
A Letter to the President
The letter Sophia wrote to President Obama reverberated around the world, and was published in more than 200 news outlets and more than 500 blogs globally. I wonder what would happen if Sophia had sent this letter now, as this next election nears? Here is what our 10 year old daughter of 2DadsWithBaggage.com wrote about having two dads:
Dear Barack Obama,
It’s Sophia Bailey-Klugh, your friend who invited you to dinner. You don’t remember me okay that’s fine. But I just wanted to tell you that I am so glad you agree that two men can love each other because I have two dads and they love each other. But at school kids think that it’s gross and weird but it really hurts my heart and feelings so I come to you because you are my hero. If you were me and you had two dads that loved each other, and kids at school teased you about it, what would you do?
Please respond!
I just wanted to say you really inspire me, and I hope you win on being the President. You would totally make the world a better place.
Your friend, Sophia
P.S. Please tell your daughters hi for me!
Sophia’s handwritten letter to President Obama about having two dads, which reverberated around the world in 2012.And A Letter Back From The President
President Obama personally wrote a letter back to Sophia, with true class as always:
Dear Sophia,
Thank you for writing me such a thoughtful letter about your family. Reading it made me proud to be your president and even more hopeful about the future of our nation.
In American, no two families look the same. We celebrate this diversity. And we recognize that whether you have two dads or one mom what matters above all is the love we show one another. You are fortunate to have two parents that care deeply for you. They are lucky to have such an exceptional daughter in you.
Our differences unite us. You are I are blessed to live in a country where we are born equal no matter what we look like on the outside, where we grow up, or who our parents are. A good rule is to treat others the way you hope they will treat you. Remind your friends at school about this rule if they say something that hurts your feelings.
Thanks again for taking the time to write to me. I’m honored to have your support and inspired by your compassion. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to dinner, but I’ll be sure to tell Sasha and Malia you say hello.
Sincerely, Barack Obama
President Obama’s letter he wrote back to Sophia, stating his support in very compassionate terms.As a result of this letter exchange, Sophia was celebrated with articles in the Huffington Post, and many other news outlets around the world.
We even ended up being invited to appear on The Katie Couric Show, speaking on behalf of families like ours during the critical time our US Supreme Court was making its decision to legalize gay marriage nationwide. It was a surreal experience that will make us all proud and honored for the rest of our lives.
Sophia and the Bailey-Klugh clan were invited by Katie Couric to appear on her show. We talked about Sophia’s letter exchange with President Obama about having two dads.Pin it!
It’s time like this that I miss Obama the most! We are so lucky to have had him as president for eight years.
A very compassionate man who understands everyone’s differences and is accepting of them. I as an American miss him dearly and pray that there is a better future for our country.
Sophia is very well spoken. I agree with president Obama, the most important thing is having parents that love you! And even though he may not have responded the way you wanted, his advice was sage. As adults and children, remember that we should always treat people the way we want to be treated.
Thanks for your wise words – so true!
President Obama is such a wonderful human being and I miss him and his family so very much!! He will always be my POTUS. His compassion for people is unbelievable! Miss you so much Barrack Obama
Very much agree!
What a shining example of how to address a little girls feelings on such a controversial subject. You are a president with compassion towards everyone’s differences. I celebrate you as a person and a President.