“We knew, without a doubt, that we were meant to be fathers.”
James and Jason Johns-McCall have been together for two decades and married since 2013. They met back in 2005 at BWI Airport, thanks to mutual friends, and now call Atlanta, Georgia, home. Their journey as dads officially began when they welcomed their daughter, Jamison Sloane, through private adoption in 2024.
For James, an esthetician and business owner (@facialsbidesign), and Jason, a senior business analyst, the desire to become parents had always been a part of their love story. But like many LGBTQ+ couples, the path to parenthood required patience, perseverance, and deep reflection.
“We explored every possible path—each with its own beauty and complexity—because we knew we were meant to be fathers,” James shares. “Private adoption stood out to us because it offered a deeply personal connection to the process. It also allowed us to honor the courage of a birth parent making an incredibly selfless decision.”
Adoption has a special place in their hearts. James’ father was adopted, and that legacy influenced how they approached their own family-building journey. “It reminded us that families are built through love, not just biology.”
The couple worked with MK Adoption Services and spoke with immense gratitude about their experience. “We truly couldn’t have done this without the expertise, guidance, and care from MK Adoption Services. Khandy was with us every step of the way, connecting us with ethical, compassionate professionals—who then introduced us to our incredible birth mother.”
Now nine months into parenthood, James and Jason say the best part is the everyday magic: “Nothing compares to walking into a room and seeing your child’s eyes light up—like you’re her whole world. It’s pure, unconditional love.”
Of course, parenthood has brought major changes too. “We’ve been together for 20 years, and life used to be so carefree—spontaneous dinners, last-minute trips. That’s not the case anymore (lol). But we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
They’re also intentional about celebrating their family’s LGBTQ+ identity. “We’ve built a library of children’s books centered around LGBTQ families and read them to her regularly. Representation matters, and we want her to grow up knowing that love makes a family.”
Their advice to other LGBTQ+ people dreaming of parenthood? “Don’t let anyone deter you from your dream. Surround yourself with people who support you, and work with professionals who respect your path. Most of all, believe that your love is enough—because it absolutely is.”
Follow their journey on Instagram at @Jsquared05 and @mrjohnsmccall.
