Ashlyn and Jessica, high school friends turned life partners from Houston, share their journey to parenthood. They discuss the challenges of coming out, choosing a sperm donor, and navigating fertility treatments. They delve into their mixed emotions as Ashlyn induces lactation to bond with their baby amid excitement and heteronormative societal pressures. With honesty and vulnerability, Ashlyn and Jessica offer a heartfelt glimpse into their struggles and triumphs as they prepare to welcome their son, highlighting the intentionality and love that define queer family-building. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to California Cryobank (https://www.cryobank.com/), and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠ thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  * High School Friendship to Life Partnership: Ashlyn and Jessica share their unique journey from being best friends in high school to becoming a loving couple. * Navigating Fertility Challenges: The couple describes their experience with a known sperm donor, their struggles with conception, and the eventual decision to pursue clinical fertility treatments and a sperm bank. * Emotional Ups and Downs: Insights into the emotional complexities of failed insemination attempts and the impact of familial reactions to their relationship. * Induced Lactation Journey: Ashlyn’s steps towards inducing lactation to co-breastfeed alongside Jessica, highlighting a deeper level of involvement and bonding as a non-gestational parent. * Community Support and Resources: The vital role of supportive communities and educational resources like The Queer Family Podcast in their parenthood journey. 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Ashlyn and Jessica have navigated the complexities and challenges of queer family building, relying on the generosity of a known sperm donor and later turning to professional fertility services and a sperm bank. Jessica is currently 31 weeks pregnant, and Ashlyn is embarking on an induced lactation journey to co-breastfeed their baby. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  * California Cryobank: Use promo code "loveislove" for a free level two subscription to their donor catalog. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovariestalk/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhon0J_IfFovDUAzS9v2WQ 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Intentional Parenthood and Love in Queer Families 2:47 Intro with Jaimie 5:16 High School Best Friends Reconnect and Start a Family 7:56 High School Friendship, First Love, and Family Expectations 12:46 Navigating Family Reactions and Acceptance After Coming Out 16:52 Navigating Parenthood and Identity in a Modern LGBTQ+ Relationship 19:44 DIY Insemination and the Journey to Parenthood 23:50 Navigating Fertility Challenges and Emotional Struggles 28:51 Choosing a Sperm Donor and Navigating IUI Procedures 33:17 Navigating Emotional Turmoil During Pregnancy Testing 34:52 Unexpected Complications from an HSG Procedure 39:53 Discovering a Pregnancy and the Emotional Reaction 40:17 Navigating Non-Bio Parent Emotions and Societal Expectations 45:44 Inducing Lactation and Bonding as a Non-Gestational Parent 51:44 Supporting The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon

Ali and Megan open up to Jaimie about giving the gift of family to another queer couple through surrogacy. Ali was a recently divorced mother of two when she swiped right for Megan on Tinder. Their connection was instant, and soon, they found themselves blending their lives, navigating co-parenting with Ali's ex, and talking about carrying a baby for another family. Join us as we explore the intricate dynamics of their relationship, the co-parenting experience, the emotional and logistical aspects of surrogacy, and their hopes for the future. This episode offers a heartfelt look into the beauty and challenges of building a family within the LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to NewGen Families (https://newgenfamilies.com/), and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  * Surrogacy Journey: Ali and Megan share their experience of becoming surrogate parents for another lesbian couple, navigating the emotional highs and logistical challenges with grace and mutual support. * Agency Selection: The importance of choosing a surrogacy agency that aligns with one's values comes to light, as Ali and Megan discuss their positive experience with NewGen Families. * Family Dynamic: Insight into the co-parenting dynamics between Ali and Megan, and how they navigated the complexities of integrating their lives. * Personal Growth: The journey has been transformative not just for the intended parents but for Ali and Megan as well, leading them to deeper personal growth and a stronger family bond. * Community and Connection: Emphasizing the power of chosen family and community, they discuss their lasting relationship with the intended parents and how the surrogacy experience created extended familial ties. 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Ali and Megan are a a blended family based in Wichita, Kansas. Ali came out after a prior marriage, co-parenting her kids amicably with her ex. Megan never envisioned herself as a parent until meeting Ali. Together, they have not only built a loving home with their children but also made the incredible journey of becoming a surrogacy team. Recently, Ali carried a baby for a lesbian couple in California, supported every step of the way by Megan. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  * NewGen Families (https://newgenfamilies.com/)- The surrogacy agency Ali and Megan worked with, which strives to ensure supportive, ethical, and empathetic experiences for surrogates and intended parents. Mention the Queer Family Podcast for a $1,000 discount on the surrogacy agency fee! 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovariestalk/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhon0J_IfFovDUAzS9v2WQ 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Surrogacy and LGBTQIA Family Journeys 2:54 A Crush on Kamala Harris and Renewed Political Hope 6:45 Surrogacy Journey and Family Life of Allie and Megan 9:22 Finding Love and Identity Amidst Life Changes 15:23 Navigating Queer Family Dynamics and Parenthood 21:25 Exploring Reciprocal IVF and Surrogacy in Lesbian Relationships 26:47 Navigating the Complexities of a Lengthy Application Process 28:25 Surrogacy, Sperm Donation, and Building Rainbow Families 31:43 Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency with Care and Research 36:38 Creating Chosen Family Through Surrogacy 40:41 The Emotional Journey and Importance of Trust in Surrogacy 47:52 Navigating Parenthood, Home Renovations, and Future Family Plans 50:25 Celebrating Love and Surrogacy on The Queer Family PodcasT

Jaimie sits down with Kelly Vincent, author of the YA series "Ugly, Uglier, and Ugliest," to discuss gender identity, representation, and the challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals. Kelly shares personal experiences of growing up in Oklahoma, the impact of societal gender norms, and the journey to embracing an agender identity. The episode explores the importance of diverse stories in fostering understanding and normalization, with a focus on the current political climate and its effects on the queer community. Also, hear about the remarkable reception Kelly's books have received. 🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. / thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! ⁠⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠FB⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈 * Kelly Vincent's Journey: Kelly shares their personal experiences with gender confusion and societal pressures in Oklahoma, leading to their self-identification as agender. * Books on Gender Identity: Kelly's series "Ugly," "Uglier," and "Ugliest" provide a narrative on gender identity through the eyes of a high school teenager, offering both representation and insights. * Impact of Fiction: Kelly discusses how fiction can be a powerful tool for understanding complex issues like gender identity and fostering empathy. * Current Political Climate: The conversation touches on the escalating political challenges facing the LGBTQIA community and the need for activism and representation. * Educational Resource: The novels serve as valuable resources for both 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Kelly Vincent is an acclaimed author specializing in young adult (YA) fiction. Growing up in Oklahoma, Kelly experienced a lot of gender confusion, which became a central theme in their writing. Their series, centered around the protagonist Nick, includes titles like "Ugly," "Uglier," and the upcoming "Ugliest." Kelly uses their platform to shed light on important social issues, gender identity, and the complexities surrounding them. Their work has gained critical praise, including a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and runner-up placement in SCBWI's Spark Award. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode: * The Art of Being Ugly Series https://kellyvincent.net/books/book-u... * Kirkus Reviews: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re... * SCBWI: Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators https://www.scbwi.org/members/kelly-v... 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 - Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 - Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast - Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ - Instagram: / thequeerfamilypodcast - Facebook: / ovariestalk - TikTok: / thequeerfamilypodcast - YouTube: / @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Challenging Gender Norms and Celebrating LGBTQIA Identities 6:06 Queer Family Podcast Discusses LGBTQIA Parenting and Egg Donation 9:47 Growing Up Agender in a Gender-Conforming Society 18:13 Navigating Gender Identity and Societal Constructs 26:48 The Power of Fiction in Understanding Diverse Perspectives 28:39 Queer Family Building with California Cryobank 30:26 Navigating Gender Identity and Politics in Young Adult Literature 34:58 Challenges and Triumphs of Self-Publishing LGBTQIA Books 37:06 The Importance of Diverse Representation in Literature 44:13 Kelly Discusses Her Books and Support from the Queer Family Podcast