Polis becomes first openly gay dad in Congress

Caspian Julius (photo courtesy office of Rep. Jared Polis)

Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) has become the first openly gay father in Congress.

In an e-mail to supporters on Friday, Polis, 36, announced that he and his partner, Marlon Reis, 29, had welcomed into their family their child, Caspian Julius. Upon his birth on Sept. 30, Caspian weighed 8 lbs. and 12 oz.

“Baby and parents are doing well, baby has learned to cry already!” the announcement reads. “No gifts please, just nice thoughts for Caspian, humankind, the planet, and the universe!”

Polis announced to media in June that he was expecting a child and said further details, including whether he was having a child through a surrogate pregnancy or adoption, would be kept under wraps.

Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council, said her organization is “so thrilled” for Polis and his partner.

“Little Caspian Julius is so lucky to have two wonderful and loving dads,” Chrisler said. “On behalf of America’s growing number of LGBT parents, we want to send the family our warmest wishes.”