Grier and her wife Alana created their family through surrogacy after fertility treatments wreaked havoc on Grier’s mental health and it became clear that carrying a child in either one of their wombs was not an option. She discusses the challenges and shame that can come with not being able to conceive and the importance of breaking down taboos surrounding different ways of creating a family. The conversation also touches on the non-biological connection in queer families, the decision to use an anonymous sperm donor, and the complexities of navigating societal expectations and assumptions. This conversation emphasizes the importance of normalizing different paths to parenthood and supporting individuals in making the best choices for their own well-being. 

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠Pregnant Together⁠, My Donor Story, ⁠⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• Breaking down taboos surrounding different ways of creating a family is important
• The non-biological connection in queer families can be a complex and nuanced topic
• Choosing an anonymous sperm donor can alleviate concerns about emotional attachment
• Navigating societal expectations and assumptions can be challenging for queer parents Surrogacy can be a valid and empowering choice for individuals who do not want to carry their own child.
• Mental health should be prioritized when making decisions about family planning.
• It is important to normalize and support different paths to parenthood.
• Open and honest conversations about difficult topics can provide support and validation for others going through similar experiences.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

• “She didn't want to carry. It was as simple as that.” Grier
• "I wanted to be the best mother possible. And for me to do that I needed to spend the next year getting my mental health back." Grier
• "Talk about hard things with your friends.” Grier

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Grier, formerly a model agent, opens up about her struggles with mental health, the pressures of societal norms, and the complex decision to pursue surrogacy. She and her wife Alana navigated the challenging waters of creating a family as a queer couple, ultimately choosing a path that ensured their well-being and the love they could share with their child.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Queer midwife Mara Goodman's virtual community: Pregnant Together
• Growing Generations: www.growinggenerations.com
• Kim Brown's interview episode: “Finding A Surrogate” from season 2 of the former "If These Ovaries Could Talk" podcast, now known as the Queer Family Podcast.
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🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠⁠website

Lacey, a former Mormon and lesbian mom, shares her journey of coming out and building her family with her wife, Gabby. They unexpectedly conceived their first child through at-home insemination and later decided to have more children. After struggling with infertility, they turned to fertility treatments and ended up having triplets. Amidst the joy of their growing family, their oldest child, Jonah, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Lacey recounts the challenges they have faced and the strength and newfound faith they have found as a family navigating this journey together.

Join us for this truly moving episode, which not only celebrates the uniqueness of LGBTQIA families but also highlights the universal aspects of parenting under extraordinary circumstances. Tune in to hear Lacey's full story, and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring and thought-provoking content that celebrates families in all their diverse beauty.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠Pregnant Together⁠, My Donor Story, ⁠⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• Lacey's upbringing in a conservative Mormon family and her subsequent journey to embracing her identity as a lesbian woman.
• The surprising and unanticipated conception of triplets, adding to the excitement and complexities of parenting.
• An intimate look into the hardships and emotional turmoil following her oldest child's cancer diagnosis.
• Discussion on faith and coping mechanisms in the face of adversity, challenging the idea of divine intervention.
• The importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for children in queer families.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

• "I tried really hard to fit the mold." Lacey
• “We had four kids in the hospital at one time." Lacey

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Lacey is a former Mormon and a lesbian mom who, alongside her wife Gabby, has faced significant life challenges. With a deep love for her family, Lacey navigates the complexities of raising four children, one of whom is courageously battling cancer. Her family's journey is a testament to their strength and resilience, with values that emphasize love, acceptance, and the beauty of being true to oneself, regardless of the circumstances.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Queer midwife Mara Goodman's virtual community: Pregnant Together

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠⁠website

Corey Allen, a former Secret Service agent and current future dad on a surrogacy journey shares his experience of leading a double life while working in law enforcement and the challenges he faced as a gay man. He also discusses his surrogacy journey, including the setbacks and the decision to use two surrogates. Corey highlights the financial and legal obstacles that LGBTQ+ families often encounter and the importance of sharing stories to create awareness and promote change. Tune in for an inspiring and informative conversation.

This is an essential listen for anyone in the LGBTQIA community considering family life, as well as for allies seeking understanding and connection. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Queer Family podcast that celebrates, uplifts, and normalizes diverse family narratives.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠Pregnant Together⁠, My Donor Story, ⁠⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• Corey Allen shares his experience of living a double life as a closeted Secret Service agent, the eventual coming out, and his personal journey to find love and start a family. 
• Corey and his fiance Johnny's path to parenthood includes navigating the surrogacy journey with its emotional, financial, and logistical challenges.
• The importance of genetic connection in surrogacy decisions is discussed, as is the strategic choice to use both partners' DNA with the same egg donor.
• There is an emphasis on the legal complexities and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ families in the surrogacy process, including the lack of insurance coverage and the necessity for second-parent adoption.
• Corey's advocacy work and his book "Breaking Free" spotlight the need for broader awareness and support for queer families.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

• "There were red flags that our agency didn't pick up on, or they should have." - Cory

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Corey Allen is a former Secret Service agent with a compelling story to share about his life and experiences. He has served in law enforcement as a police officer and has provided protection for high-profile figures including the Obamas. Corey has also authored the book "Breaking Free," where he shares his saga of self-discovery as a gay Secret Service agent. Currently, he's an advocate for LGBTQIA+ family building.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• CoryAllenBooks.com https://www.coryallenbooks.com/
• Instagram, Facebook

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠⁠website

Host Jaimie sits down with Megan, Taylor, and Jessica, three married lesbian non-bio moms fighting for legal recognition of their parental rights in Louisiana. They discuss the challenges they're facing in the legal system, the archaic "presumption of paternity" civil code 185 being used against them, and the impact it has on their families. The guests share their personal experiences and the uncertainty they face as non-biological parents. They also highlight the importance of second-parent adoption and the need for better legislation to protect LGBTQ+ families.

This is an essential listen for anyone in the LGBTQIA community considering family life, as well as for allies seeking understanding and connection. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Queer Family podcast that celebrates, uplifts, and normalizes diverse family narratives.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠Pregnant Together⁠, My Donor Story, ⁠⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• The judge in their cases used civil code 185 which does not recognize same-sex marriages and denies them the right to second-parent adoption.
• The cases are on hold, leaving the families in a state of limbo and uncertainty.
• The judge's decision is not binding in other courts, which means their rights could be challenged in the future.
• LGBTQ+ families in Louisiana face unique challenges due to the lack of clear and concise language in the state's laws.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

• We're never going to be able to get rid of all the bigots of the world, but we can change the system if we are a part of the system." - Taylor
• "Louisiana just repeatedly keeps telling me, well, you're not mother enough." Meghan
• “We have to sign on the father line on the birth certificate, just to add to it, add a kick in the gut.” - Jessica

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Megan, Taylor and Jessica are residents of Louisiana and members of the LGBTQ+ community. They are advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Meghan founded NELA Pride, an organization that aims to improve and enrich the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Northeast Louisiana.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• NELA Pride - Northeast Louisiana Pride: Website

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠⁠website

Host Jaimie sits down with Kay Anderson, host of the Lost Spaces podcast, for a candid discussion about the complexities of queer family planning, nature vs nurture, and the individual choice to have children. The conversational journey offers a deep dive into not only Kay's personal musings regarding family and parenting but also the diverse ways queer individuals approach these life choices. The episode is rich with exploration of various family-building options such as surrogacy, adoption, fostering, and the roles that genetics and environment play in shaping familial relationships.

This is an essential listen for anyone in the LGBTQIA community considering family life, as well as for allies seeking understanding and connection. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Queer Family podcast that celebrates, uplifts, and normalizes diverse family narratives.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠Pregnant Together⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

• K Anderson discusses his journey of self-discovery and his cautious attitude toward starting a family, highlighting the societal preconceptions and personal reservations that influence such decisions.
• A detailed exploration of the different paths queer individuals can take to create families, including the emotional and practical considerations that each option entails.
• Jaimie shares insights from her own queer family experience, touching on the unique challenges and joys of having one biological child and one non-biological child.
• The importance of considering nurture over nature and how parental influence extends beyond genetic connections.
• An open invitation for listeners to share their own experiences and views on family dynamics and the nature vs nurture debate within the context of the LGBTQIA community.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

• "I think that this is a really important conversation to have, because not everybody out there wants to be a parent. And it is not the end all, be all to have a family. That is not the goal of life for everyone.” Jaimie
• "How many of our choices are our choices and how many of our choices are just what we're preprogrammed to make?" K Anderson
• "It warms my heart that they still both will go to both of us." Jaimie on the non-biological bond with her children
• "Am I just terrified of making a decision?" K Anderson, discussing the prospect of becoming a foster parent

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

K Anderson is the creator and host of the Lost Spaces podcast, which nostalgically dives into the lost queer venues and spaces that were once integral parts of many LGBTQIA individuals' youth. The podcast is not only about the queer spaces themselves but also explores the significant personal memories and experiences of those who frequented them. With a passion for storytelling and uncovering the forgotten chapters of queer culture, Kay brings a reflective exploration of what these spaces meant for personal growth and communal identity.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Podcast: Lost Spaces 
• K Anderson's Social Media: @lostspacespod on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠⁠website

S15 EP9 l Host Jamie sits down with Courtney, Whitney, and their dad Glenn to discuss their unique family story. Glenn came out as gay after 33 years of marriage, and his daughters were in their 20s at the time. The conversation delves into the challenges Glenn faced in coming to terms with his sexuality and the impact it had on his family. The episode highlights the power of acceptance and the transformative change that can come from embracing one's true self. They also discuss the importance of telling these stories to create a more accepting world.

Keep your ears tuned for more episodes from the Queer Family podcast, where love is celebrated in all its forms.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠Pregnant Together⁠,  ⁠⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

*Glenn's coming out as a gay man led to a profound transformation within the family, fostering greater acceptance and openness amidst challenges.

*The episode addresses the importance of representation and the impact it can have on an individual's journey to self-acceptance.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

*"I think our parents getting a divorce, our dad coming out is the best thing that ever happened to our family." - Courtney

*"I have this amazing life. I have these girls that I absolutely adore and my granddaughters that are beyond precious to me." - Glenn

*"I truly believe the universe has provided us with all of these gifts that have led us to where we are today." - Whitney

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

*Courtney and Whitney Ashley are sisters who host the podcast, “Hey Sis, Eat This," where they explore family relationships through the lens of food and dinner table conversations.

*Glenn Ashley is a former advertising agency Creative Director and commercial film director. He studied art and design at The University of Texas

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

*Courtney and Whitney's podcast, "Hey Sis, Eat This," can be found on various platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

*Glenn's artwork can be viewed and pursued on his website, glennashleyart.com.

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠⁠website

In this episode of the Queer Family Podcast, host Jamie sits down with Miles Borrero, a trans queer yoga teacher and author of the memoir "Beautiful Monster: A Becoming." Miles shares their journey of self-discovery and transition, discussing the labels and identities they have explored along the way. They also delve into their experience as a bonus parent to teenagers and the importance of representation in queer families. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing change, finding love, and redefining what it means to be a family.

Tune in for a poignant exploration of identity, transformation, and belonging that speaks to us all. Subscribe to The Queer Family Podcast Stay tuned for more enlightening content exploring the diverse tapestries of queer families.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to Pregnant Together,  ⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

*The queer community's stories are essential for representation and can act as life-saving narratives for those who feel unseen.

*Familial transitions, such as a parent's death or one's own gender transition, can deepen connections when met with love and understanding.

*Language plays a pivotal role in identity, but it also has limitations; the nuances of self-identity often transcend simplistic labels.

*The formation of queer families often involves non-conventional paths that challenge and enrich traditional notions of kinship.

*The involvement of a non-binary or transgender parent can add a unique layer of support and representation within a family unit.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

*”You cannot have too many queer stories. You cannot have too many trans stories. They're all so essential." - Miles

*”What we have in common is much wider and much more interesting than what makes us different." - Miles

*”I’ve lived as a girl, as a boy, as something in between." - Miles

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Miles Borrero is a trans, queer yoga teacher based in New York City. They are also a writer, artist, and storyteller. Miles has a diverse background, having lived in Brazil, Colombia during the Pablo Escobar years, and various parts of the United States. They began their gender transition around the age of 40 and have shared their experience of identity, family, and belonging through various mediums

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

*Miles Borrero's website: milesyoga.com where you can buy their book "Beautiful Monster: A Becoming" 

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IG⁠⁠/⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠/⁠⁠FB⁠⁠/⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠/⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠, ⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠website

Haley King is a donor-conceived gay mom who ALSO used donor conception to start her own family. Haley shares her journey of discovering her donor-conceived status at the age of 30 and how the challenges she faced in finding information and support led her to become an advocate for donor-conceived people and families. She and Jaimie delve into the importance of open communication, navigating relationships with donor siblings, the impact of modern technology on anonymity, and the nuanced feelings of being a non-bio parent.

Subscribe to The Queer Family Podcast Stay tuned for more enlightening content exploring the diverse tapestries of queer families.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to Pregnant Together,  ⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

*Haley King was one of the first IVF babies and later found out she was conceived using donor sperm, leading her to become an advocate for donor-conceived individuals.

*The importance of choosing an open ID donor and ensuring that children have access to their biological origins is highlighted.

*Haley discusses the nuances of being a non-bio, non-gestational parent and the reassurances that family bonds extend beyond genetics.

*The podcast delves into the evolving challenges surrounding anonymity, the impact of modern technology on donor conception, and the complications arising from donor siblings connections.

*Perspectives on parenting and donor conception can differ significantly between the queer and non-queer communities, underlining the need for continuous dialogue and support.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

*”I’m very proud to be donor conceived... it would have been an absolute travesty if [my dad] couldn't have been a parent. He is wonderful." Hayley

*”No one donor conceived person will feel the same... listen to lots of different sort of perspectives." Hayley

*”Anonymity is very difficult to keep... They've got adult photos of donors... parents are sticking them into Google image searches and finding people across the Internet." Hayley

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Haley King is a pioneering voice and advocate within the queer and donor-conceived communities. As someone who discovered their donor conception status as an adult, Haley offers a unique and multifaceted perspective. She is the Director of Operations at Paths to Parenthub, an online support platform dedicated to assisting parents via donor conception. Combining her personal experiences with professional expertise, Haley provides counsel and creates resources to normalize and support donor-conceived families through her website and social media channels.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

*Hayley’s Website *Hayley’s Instagram *Paths to Parenthub

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IG⁠⁠/⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠/⁠⁠FB⁠⁠/⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠/⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

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

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Jennifer and Vanessa are in the middle of creating a family as a lesbian couple, yet Vanessa's recent hysterectomy and Jennifer's epilepsy add intricate layers of complexity to their journey. Faced with legal uncertainties surrounding adoption as an LGBTQIA+ couple, they shifted towards using donor sperm at a bank, only to confront profound societal biases and systemic hurdles in the fertility industry. The conversation delves deep into these challenges, fostering an argument for true inclusion in family planning, irrespective of disability or sexual orientation. Their narrative serves as a compelling call to action, advocating for the fundamental right of ALL individuals to embrace parenthood on their own terms.

Don't miss out on the full episode to hear Jennifer and Vanessa's compelling narrative that emphasizes love, choice, and the pursuit of a family that defies traditional boundaries. Subscribe to The Queer Family Podcast for more enlightening content exploring the diverse tapestries of queer families.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to Pregnant Together,  ⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

*Jennifer and Vanessa challenge the concept of ruling out potential sperm donors based on medical history, advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities to become parents.

*They stress the importance of having more choices in donor selection to reflect broader human experiences and conditions, including those of the disabled community.

*Issues with the fertility industry highlight the significant underrepresentation and medical challenges that come with queerness and disability.

*The couple underscores the struggle with decision-making due to the vast amount of choices and stress the importance of ultimately following their hearts.

*Their story is a call to action for more inclusive practices within family-building processes and the broader acknowledgment of queer parents.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

*”I wanted to make the point that not everybody wants to weed out certain genetics, and who are the banks or the powers in charge to say which donors get through versus which donors don't?" Jennifer and Vanessa

*”To hear somebody say you shouldn't choose a donor based on their medical history sounds to us like, well, then you're not qualified to be parents because of your medical history." Jennifer and Vanessa

*”I think just saying because you have a genetic predisposition for something doesn't mean that you should not have the opportunity to contribute your genetic material." Jennifer and Vanessa

*”As queer people, we're a marginalized group that's been overlooked... It's just up to the individuals building a family to make those decisions for themselves and their families." Jennifer and Vanessa

*”We do have a concern that's like, well, what if we have an Id donor and our kid turns 18 and they can meet their donor? We don't know if that person is going to be homophobic." Jennifer and Vanessa

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IG⁠⁠/⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠/⁠⁠FB⁠⁠/⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠/⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠, ⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠website⁠

Host Jaimie sits down with Tom Tracy, an award-winning author and proud gay dad, to explore his inspiring journey to parenthood through adoption. Together, they delve into the joys and challenges of raising children, drawing from Tom's experiences that have inspired his acclaimed book series, Scoochie and Skiddles. Tom's work aims to normalize LGBTQIA+ families by portraying them in everyday life, showcasing the ordinary yet extraordinary moments. The episode emphasizes the importance of representation in media and literature, offering a heartfelt discussion on the significance of diversity and inclusion. Plus, don't miss a special guest appearance by Jaimie's 10-year-old daughter, Rose, as they discuss the importance of starting conversations about origin stories early on.

Subscribe to The Queer Family Podcast for more episodes that celebrate and normalize the diverse spectrum of family experiences within the LGBTQiA+ community.

🏳️‍🌈Thanks to Pregnant Together,  ⁠⁠Our Shelves⁠⁠ (code QUEERFAM) and our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ supporters.

🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 

*Tom Tracy's family-building journey through adoption defied common narratives of complications in LGBTQIA+ adoption, offering an unexpectedly smooth experience.

*His children's books aim to normalize queer families by portraying them in familiar, everyday scenarios.

*Tom shares an emotionally charged, authentic moment when his daughter proudly explained her adoption story to a new friend, illustrating the importance of open discussions about family diversity with children.

*The "drop the seed theory" is mentioned, highlighting the importance of talking to children about their origin stories from a young age, planting informative seeds for later understanding.

*The episode underlines the significance of representation in children's literature and the need for more stories that include diverse family structures.

🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈

"The stories are incidentally gay... This is really a story about a family." Tom

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Tom Tracy is a dedicated father, author, and social worker. His book series, Scoochie and Skittles, is inspired by his family's adventures and aims to normalize LGBTQIA+ families by showcasing them in everyday life. He is also a passionate advocate for the queer community and gives voice to underrepresented families through his literature, earning several book awards for his work.

🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: 

*tomtracybooks.com , scoochieandskittles.com *Find Tom on  Facebook and Instagram.

🏳️‍🌈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!

🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! Call us: 646-470-1840 ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IG⁠⁠/⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠/⁠⁠FB⁠⁠/⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠/⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast

🏳️‍🌈Watch Video Episodes right now on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book based on this podcast on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠, ⁠⁠IndieBound⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Audible⁠⁠.

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

🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

🏳️‍🌈For a full transcript of this episode and more info about the host visit our ⁠⁠website⁠

🎙️ Episode Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction and sponsorship message from Pregnant Together

0:03:07 Importance of normalizing LGBTQ+ families and discussing origin stories

0:08:57 Interviewing Tom Tracy about his book series and mission to normalize LGBTQ+ families

0:13:12 Jaimie and Tom discuss the importance of telling LGBTQIA+ family stories and normalizing them

0:17:06 Tom shares how his own family inspired him to write children's books that reflect families like his own

0:20:48 Tom explains their decision to pursue private domestic adoption instead of surrogacy, and their intention to support a child who needed a family