Part of the mini-series following Nicole and Shannon’s journey to parenthood, Jaimie and the couple chat with Angela Rastagar from Sunfish about the financial challenges queer families face. They explore the costs of sperm donation, egg donation, IVF, and surrogacy. Listeners are introduced to the resources and support Sunfish provides, including grants, a loan marketplace, and a unique IVF success program, all aimed at facilitating a smoother journey to parenthood.

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🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• Angela Rastagar emphasizes the financial challenges of queer family-building, describing the costs associated with sperm and egg donations, IVF, and surrogacy.
• Sunfish offers a range of resources, including a cost calculator, a searchable grants database, and financial education to help prospective parents plan their financial journey.
• Angela shares insights on potential financing solutions for those embarking on assisted reproductive journeys through Sunfish's loan marketplace and support services.
• Nicole and Shannon are encouraged to start by evaluating their fertility as a practical first step in their family planning process.
• The importance of proactive financial planning is highlighted, 

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 

• Angela Rastagar is the co-founder and CEO of Sunfish, an organization dedicated to making assisted reproductive journeys more affordable. With a background in biology and significant experience as a director at one of the largest surrogacy agencies, Angela has committed her career to supporting reproductive rights and family building. Her work focuses on reducing financial barriers in fertility and assisted reproduction through innovative solutions and resources, including education and financial planning assistance.
• Nicole and Shannon: Nicole is the long-time assistant and right-hand human on The Queer Family Podcast. She has been working on the show for two years, helping to highlight, uplift, and normalize LGBTQIA families. Shannon, Nicole's wife, comes from a background in working with children, particularly in the foster care system. Together, they explore the complexities and considerations of starting a family as a queer couple.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Sunfish: For resources and support on assisted reproductive journeys, visit joinsunfish.com.
• Follow Sunfish: Connect with Sunfish on social media via their handle @joinsunfish for updates and resources.

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

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The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation!

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