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Over the years we’ve heard LGBTQ people say that they didn’t know what life might look like for them as an adult. Many haven’t had LGBTQ role models that provide examples of a potential future, and a lot of fear that parents of LGBTQ children experience comes from the unknown as well. We thought it might be helpful for parents to get to know some of the amazing members of the LGBTQ community, just a few at a time, so that they can provide a realistic view of what life could look like for our children. Today, Jen joins guests Marshall Shearer, Craig Watts, and Candice Green in this episode of World of Possibility.

Special Guest: Marshall Shearer

Marshall is a proud trans man who's been living life to the fullest for the past 8 years since transitioning. When he’s not busy being an awesome dad to five adopted kids, aged 14 to 24, or spoiling his adorable 2-year-old grandson, you can find him crushing it at board games, giving his all on the softball field, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. Marshall’s a foster care superhero with 11 years under his belt and 10 placements along the way. Life's a journey, and he’s loving every moment of it!

Special Guest: Craig Watts

Craig grew up in a conservative Christian community in Utah, where everyone he knew lived in traditional families. When he realized he was gay at 18, he thought he'd never have kids or have a place in his community. So, after completing a Master's Degree in Chicago, Craig ran away to Asia and spent the next two decades as an out gay man living and working in Japan and China before deciding to have kids via surrogacy. Craig had hoped to find a partner before becoming a parent, but he had strong support from his parents and siblings, and the biological clock was ticking, so he took the solo parent plunge at age 46. A Bangkok-based clinic helped Craig find a Thai egg donor and surrogate mothers for his three kids who are now aged 11 and 9 (twins). Craig and his kids lived for a few years in Beijing, then moved home to his parents' basement in Utah, and now live in the heart of San Francisco. They attend a Chinese immersion school where Craig teaches 7th grade. It's been a tough decade, but Craig loves being a parent even when the kids gang up on him!

Special Guest: Candice Green

Candice is a High School English teacher and mother of two. She loves Marvel movies, her book club, and going on adventures with her friends and kids. 

Links from the show:

Utah Foster Care’s LGBT Resource Page: utahfostercare.org/lgbt  

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