Not Like Other Dads

By: Sean Szeps

Narrated by: Sean Szeps

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Sean Szeps had wanted to be a mum since the age of four when he fell in love with Mrs Potts, the motherly teapot in Beauty and the Beast. But there was just one problem – he was not, in fact, a woman.

When he was swept off his feet by a handsome Australian man in New York City, Sean’s dreams of marriage and parenthood suddenly became a reality. The only things standing in his way: outdated marriage laws, hundreds of thousands of dollars and a healthy dose of internalised homophobia. Though he had to battle intense family drama, depression and a difficult move to the other side of the world, he succeeded in becoming a father to boy-girl twins.

What happens when the traditional parenting rules, 10,000 years in the making, simply don’t apply? Not Like Other Dads is a raw, rollicking memoir about gay parents raising their kids, without a map – or nap.

©2023 Sean Szeps (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing. This audio version produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited.

Critic reviews

'Raw, honest and hilarious ... unlike any other parenting memoir you have read.' (Edwina Bartholomew, Sunrise presenter)

'A true modern-day fairy tale with love at its heart.' (Jessica Rowe, co-host, Studio 10)

'Through Sean's openness to share his vulnerabilities, we're reminded why it's important to welcome and accept diverse families.' (Narelda Jacobs, Australian Television journalist)

Truly incredible, a story everyone should hear

Raw, heartbreaking, inspirational, and uplifting, “Not Like Other Dads” is a hugely important story about the challenges of growing up, adulting, and parenting as a gay man, while highlighting the true beauty of the experience. Whether you are queer, a parent, or simply looking to better understand what it’s like to grow up and live as a queer person, PLEASE read this book.

A beautiful, honest story from start to end, you’ll absolutely laugh and you’ll definitely cry. I hope this book provides support to those who need it and a voice to those who are still finding theirs. Thank you Sean, for your vulnerability and willingness to share your experience.

Amazing from beginning to end

If you’re a parent, if you’re queer, or if you just enjoy learning about people who may be different than you, then this book is for you! You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll feel all the feels in between. The book is so honest, and Sean proved himself to be a great storyteller throughout. Highly recommend giving this one a chance even if it’s not your “typical” book.

Vulnerable, Raw, and Authentic

As a queer person who is not a parent, this book is for everyone!

Are you a queer person thinking about being a parent?

Are you a queer parent and have been looking for a book that might describe your experience?

Do you know someone in your life who is queer and thinking about being a parent and you want to understand a little bit a bit what they might go through?

This book is powerful, raw, authentic, and highlights how much more programs we need to support people who might be left out or different than the “norm.”

And I thank Sean for all he has done and for what he continues to do for the queer community!