In an interview, Ortega Dueñas said that he began the legal process for custody of his son in August after the death of his former partner, Mary "N". Ortega and Mary maintained a heterosexual relationship and continued a friendship after the birth of their son.
After the mother's death, her family removed the child from school and kept the father from visitation, says Ortega. He reports the mother's family requested that he give the child up to adoption services, which is when he petitioned the courts for full custody.
On October 3, Ortega received provisional custody while . . .
