Queer Eye star Tan France advocates for paid paternal leave in the US in Bobbie campaign

Bobbie’s new campaign, ‘When Dads Take Leave,’ underscores the critical need for paternity leave by sharing France’s personal experience of returning to work just one week after the birth of his second child. In the ad, he states his belief that every parent deserves time at home, whether they are a birthing or non-birthing parent.

Bobbie’s data suggests that France’s situation is a common struggle; while 84% of Americans support paid leave, only 11 states – less than one-fifth of the country – currently offer it.

“Whoever said that paid leave is a paid vacation has never raised their own child,” France said. “I can be equally good at my job, if not better, when I’m also given a shot at taking care of my family and myself too. I’m proud to lend my experience, voice and platform on behalf of all dads in the US who want to be present with their partner and their baby – not just present with their jobs.”

The campaign aims to garner awareness and support for The Family And Medical Insurance Leave (Family) Act, a bill that, if passed, would grant all workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child.

There’s evidence that suggests that better paternity leave policies benefit families at large; fathers who take two or more weeks of paternity leave are 25% more likely to be involved in their child’s care nine months later. And active parenting leads to children with fewer behavioral problems and higher cognitive scores. Despite these benefits, only 5% of fathers take two weeks of leave – if they have leave at all, according to research from the Population Association of America.

“The fight for paid leave is not just for moms to fight – it’s every family’s fight,” said Kim Chappell, Bobbie’s chief brand officer. “Since day one as a brand, we have proudly taken a stand – not just for moms – but for diverse family units from all over the US.“

In Chappell’s view, Tan is a strong face for the message. “Tan is a queer Muslim immigrant with two babies via surrogacy and his unique and powerful voice on this issue is representative of so many modern families who are typically left out of the conversation. By advocating together for The Family Act – in an election year no less – we hope all parents and caregivers will get the support they need and deserve with paid leave for all in America.”

The push for paid paternity leave is part of a broader movement toward true gender equality. Historically, efforts have focused on empowering women in the workplace. Now, there is growing recognition that supporting fathers in their caregiving roles is essential for balanced household dynamics and children’s development.

“Trending up, employers are just beginning to offer paid leave for dads. The next barrier to equality? Fathers taking them. Non-birthing partners deserve leave, and they must take it,” added Sarah Hardy, Bobbie’s co-founder and chief people and experience officer.

The campaign was ideated and developed in-house.

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