In a world that too often places rigid limitations on what a family should look like, one man from Italy decided to rewrite the rules entirely.
Luca Trapanese, a single, gay man, changed the course of a young girl’s life when he adopted baby Alba, a child with Down syndrome who had been rejected not once, not twice, but by 20 different families. What began as a deeply personal dream to become a father soon transformed into a powerful, global symbol of love, acceptance, and the limitless potential of chosen families.
A Rocky Start for Baby Alba
Alba’s story begins with heartbreak. Just 13 days after birth, she was placed into Italy’s adoption system. Born with Down syndrome, she was rejected by her birth mother, and subsequently passed over by 20 adoptive families—most of whom felt unequipped to handle her special needs. In a society where disability is still too often misunderstood, Alba’s chances of finding a loving home were dwindling by the day.
Then came Luca.
A Father’s Love That Defied Expectations
Luca Trapanese, 41 at the time, had long dreamed of becoming a parent. But as a single, openly gay man in Italy, the odds were stacked against him. Italian laws and societal norms have historically made adoption extremely difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those not in a stable, married relationship. Social services typically prioritize traditional family structures—mother, father, and a biological child.
Yet, Luca was undeterred. He had a lifetime of caregiving behind him, having worked in care centers for people with disabilities, and volunteered extensively with organizations supporting the sick, disabled, and elderly. His desire to become a parent wasn’t about biology or convention—it was about offering love to someone who needed it most.
When he applied for adoption, the agency told him plainly: “You’ll only be considered for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, or behavioral issues.”
His response? “I’m absolutely fine with that.”
The First Time He Held Her
In July 2017, Luca was introduced to baby Alba. She was small, vulnerable, and had already faced more rejection in her two weeks of life than most do in a lifetime. But for Luca, there was no hesitation.
“It was the first time I held a newborn baby,” Luca told the BBC. “Before that, I had always been a little afraid… But the moment I held Alba in my arms, I knew I was ready. She was my daughter. No doubt.”
More Than a Father – A Friend, Teacher, Protector
Since that life-changing moment, Luca has fully embraced his role as Alba’s father. Their bond is unshakable, filled with laughter, dancing, messy art projects, and heartwarming adventures. According to Luca, Alba is a bright, strong-willed, and independent little girl who loves music, socializing, and playing outdoors. “She’s determined… and a little stubborn,” he says affectionately.
They spend their days traveling, painting, playing in parks, and exploring Italy together. Their story became a global inspiration after it went viral on social media, and today Luca shares moments from their lives with over 320,000 followers on Instagram.
Why This Story Matters
What makes Luca and Alba’s story so compelling isn’t just that he defied legal and societal odds to adopt a child as a single gay man. It’s that he did so knowing exactly what challenges lay ahead—both as a non-traditional parent and as someone choosing to adopt a child many others had turned away.
“People often ask me why I chose to adopt a child with Down syndrome,” Luca said in a radio interview. “I didn’t choose her because of her condition. I chose her because I felt she was meant to be my daughter.”
In his memoir—written in Italian and now translated into multiple languages—Luca reflects on how fatherhood has transformed his life. He speaks openly about the grief of losing his best friend to cancer at 14, which inspired a lifetime of service and empathy. That experience taught him to value life’s most fragile moments—and fueled his calling to help others, especially the marginalized and overlooked.
A Different Kind of Family—A Better Kind of World
Luca and Alba’s story challenges preconceived notions about family, love, disability, and what it means to be a good parent. In a world where family is too often defined by genetics, tradition, or legality, they offer a different, perhaps more meaningful, definition: Family is who shows up for you with love and intention.
Their journey also sparks conversations about adoption reform, LGBTQ+ parenting rights, and the need for broader societal acceptance of non-traditional families.
The Future is Bright for Alba
Alba is now a happy, thriving young girl, living her best life in the heart of Italy with a father who loves her unconditionally. Her days are filled with exploration, creativity, and the comfort of a home that was built entirely on love.
As the world watches their journey unfold, one thing remains clear: Luca didn’t just give Alba a second chance at life—she gave him one too.
Together, they are living proof that love makes a family, and that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories begin with a simple, fearless “yes.”
We send our warmest wishes to Luca and Alba, and hope their story continues to inspire a more compassionate, inclusive world—one where every child, no matter their condition, background, or circumstances, has the chance to be loved and thrive.