The Father's Day columns you're going to want to read

Today we offer up a special edition newsletter of Paste BN Opinion columns looking at Father's Day. These are stories of love and loss, told through the perspective of the people who took the time to tell us about fatherhood. 

I talk to my father every day, though he died 15 years ago

I think my father is pleased, wherever he is, that I now understand – and appreciate – his perspective. And I think he’s pleased that I learned his lessons about not wasting water, electricity or scotch tape and handling knives safely.

I’m grateful to him for repeating these cautions so often that his voice got lodged in my ears, comforting and reassuring me that my father is still with me, talking and listening, every day.

Today's editorial cartoon 

• Father's Day cartoon gallery: A collection of heartfelt cartoons about dad

I used to celebrate Father's Day in secret

Now that I’m completing my gender affirmation surgery, I think about other queer people who feel like I did so many years ago: stuck in a body that doesn’t represent who they truly are. And on Father’s Day, I think of all of those assigned the gender of female at birth who hope to one day transition, and to openly celebrate this day with me.

Personal stories about dads

• I'm thankful for the lesson my son has taught me and sorry it took me so long to learn
• Why one dad pushed his son's wheelchair in the marching band
• I miss my father and his musical pockets
• Father's Day and Pride Month merged for me when my dad came out and met a man he loved
• My father died on 9/11. I wish I had him today

This newsletter was compiled by Louie Villalobos.