TikTok Dad's Journey: From Scared to 5 Kids

TikTok creator Jai Larez, known online as @daddyjai09, shared his personal journey with PEOPLE, detailing his path from a small town where he felt scared to embrace his identity to his current life as a married father of five.

Larez admitted that growing up, he rarely saw representation for LGBTQ+ individuals, leading him to believe he would remain single. He and his husband, Kyler Martín, now share their lives with their five adopted children, aged five to eight, on TikTok.

Initially hesitant to appear on camera, Larez began sharing parenting and cooking content, focusing on their experiences as an LGBTQ+ and Mexican family. He found that genuine transparency about their daily lives, rather than a curated perfect image, led to greater connection with his audience.

Larez emphasized that their family dynamic, while perhaps different for some, is simply their normal, and that "normal" is subjective. He and Kyler actively teach their children about diverse family structures through books and open conversations, preparing them for the world.

His authentic online presence has inspired many, with followers often messaging him about seeing themselves reflected in his experiences. Larez highlighted the importance of family support, noting how crucial it is for navigating life's challenges.