THE stereotypical image of the family unit has evolved over the years.

It has been a decade since the implementation of the Adoption and Children Act2, giving LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) couples the same legal rights as heterosexual adopters.

All children need is to be loved and cherished by a parent, or carer, who will be there for them, and same-sex parents are embracing the ability to create and nurture their own families.

Paul, (not his real name), is the first trans person to be assessed by Bradford Council Adoption Unit.

Being a single gay trans man - he was born a woman and transitioned to male in adulthood - Paul, from Bradford, was slightly concerned he would be discriminated against, and was concerned about how long it would take to explain about his life and identity.

He'd always thought he was a boy, assuming his body would eventually change and struggled with puberty when he realised his body wasn't changing in the way he felt it should.

Unaware transition was possible, he identified as a tomboy and, by the time he went to university, assumed he was an androgynous lesbian.

During his 20s Paul found out about other transgender people and knew that transitioning to male was what he needed to do.

He'd thought about adoption since his teens. Paul knew he didn't want to create another life when there were already so many children who needed someone to look after them. He always knew he would adopt one day, but assumed for many years that it would be as part of a couple. Being a single gay trans man, it wasn't until he was nearly 40 that he felt his domestic circumstances were suitable.

After contacting the council's adoption unit, Paul found the process interesting, life affirming and a great way to ask himself questions.

When he entered into the assessment process he wanted to use it as his own opportunity to think about who he was, and what his own strengths and weaknesses were, from a holistic perspective, not just about his trans identity. Paul felt fortunate to have had a social worker who was interested and open minded from the outset, and made him feel valued and supported.

He initially saw Lewis's profile months before he was approved as an adopter. Since adopting the two-year-old, Paul has discovered what a perfect match they are. "When times are tough, they don't stay like that for long. We're a family unit, a team and I'm not just a single gay trans man anymore, I'm daddy to a beautiful boy who is my world and I am his," says Paul.

He believes being trans gives him and other transgender people many positive characteristics relevant to parenting an adopted child. They have had to struggle with, and come to terms with their own identity, and have past experiences and history which they might not feel comfortable talking about - things an adopted child may face. Being trans also enables Paul to see life from a different perspective, and to have an open mind when it comes to helping a child make their way in life

His advice to other transgender people considering adoption is? "If you think you might be able to be a parent to a child who needs a loving, safe, stable and permanent family, then go for it!"

Prospective transgender parents have the opportunity to consider fostering a child, particularly older children and those with additional needs, at an event taking place in Bradford tomorrow.

The event coincides with the 10th anniversary since the implementation of the Adoption and Children Act2 which gave LBT couples the same equal legal rights as heterosexual adopters.

Since the change in law, a total of 1,313 children have been adopted by LGBT couples in England, Wales and Scotland and the number of children adopted by same sex couples has more than tripled from 90 in 2007 (the first year figures were collated) to 370 in 2014.

This year New Family Social – the charity which supports adopters and foster carers from LGBT communities – has joined forces with children’s charity Barnardo’s to mark LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week (March 2 to 6).

This year’s campaign will highlight there is still a need for more carers to come forward and adopt or foster children, in particular sibling groups who often wait the longest to find new forever families.

For information about the Bradford event, run by Bradford Council's adoption unit, call 01274 434750. To find out more about LGBT Adoption and fostering week visit lgbtadoptfosterweek.org.uk