Jaimie is still on a short break with her family, but we thought you’d enjoy a hilarious interview with ally extraordinaire Michelle Buteau from 2019! Michelle Buteau talks about her six-year journey to parenthood. From a brain tumor to IUI to IVF to surrogacy to the work she did with Andy Cohen to legalize surrogacy in New York State. This episode originally aired when the podcast, co-hosted & co-founded by Robin Hopkins, was known as "If These Ovaries Could Talk." Enjoy this special throwback! 🏳️‍🌈If you like the episode, make sure to leave us a review and support The Queer Family Podcast on⁠⁠⁠ Patreon ⁠⁠⁠for as low as $2/month!

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🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: ⁠⁠⁠Tiffany Topol⁠⁠⁠\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato.

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🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• The hosts express their nervousness about the release of their upcoming book and the audio book version.
• Michelle Buteau shares her personal journey of meeting her husband through a one-night stand, dealing with a benign brain tumor, and going through fertility treatments to have twins via surrogacy.
• The hosts discuss the challenges and misconceptions faced by LGBTQ+ individuals when it comes to starting a family.
• They highlight the importance of support and education in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society. Fertility struggles can be emotionally and physically challenging, and it's important to have support and understanding from loved ones.
• Misconceptions and lack of education about non-traditional family structures can lead to uncomfortable and insensitive questions and comments.
• Advocacy and education are crucial in changing the landscape of fertility clinics and ensuring inclusivity for all individuals and couples.
• Surrogacy can be a viable option for building a family, but it requires careful consideration and finding the right agency and surrogate.
• Legislation and advocacy efforts can make a significant impact in improving access to surrogacy and reproductive rights for all individuals.

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🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈

🎙️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Book Release Nervousness

07:41 Michelle Buteau's Fertility Struggles

17: 21 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Individuals in Healthcare

26:08 Promoting Education and Love for Inclusivity

29:25 Fertility Insight from Home

29:30 The Emotional Toll of Fertility

30:51 The Journey of IVF and Miscarriages

32:43 Embryos Banked and the Surrogacy Option

43:44 Advocacy and Lobbying for Surrogacy Rights

52:08 Resilience, Perseverance, and the Power of Love

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