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. ?️‍?Thanks to our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. ?️‍?Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠ ?️‍?Key Takea ..read more

In the third episode of the series, Nicole and Shannon Want a Baby, or Do They?, Jaimie, Nicole, and Shannon dive into the world of donor conception with Sydney Sharon, an expert from California Cryobank. With 45 years of experience in the fertility industry, California Cryobank is known for its strong support of LGBTQIA+ families. Sydney discusses the advantages of using a large sperm bank, including their extensive donor catalog, stringent screening processes, and comprehensive support services. The episode covers critical topics like the psychological and medical screening of donors, ethica ..read more

Nicole and Shannon continue their journey to parenthood with Jaimie as they explore the known donor route with Danielle from Seed Scout. Danielle shares her personal story and the motivation behind her agency, which provides ethical family-building options for LGBTQIA families. Together, they discuss the benefits and complexities of known versus anonymous donors, including ethical concerns, medical history updates, and donor relationships. Key topics include transparency, ethical considerations in donor selection, and the personal experiences of donors and recipient families. The conversation ..read more

In the second episode of the series, "Nicole and Shannon Want a Baby, or Do They?," Jaimie, Nicole, and Shannon sit down with Becky Fawcett, founder of HelpUsAdopt.org, a nonprofit offering financial grants to help families cover adoption costs. Becky shares her personal adoption journey, the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ families, and the vital role of both financial and emotional support. They discuss the costs of adoption, foster-to-adopt options, and the collaboration between adoption and fertility communities—all with a focus on inclusivity and making parenthood accessible to all. J ..read more

Jaimie sits down with her assistant Nicole and her wife Shannon. Despite Nicole having worked on this podcast about queer families for over two years, they still haven’t decided if they want to have kids. As they weigh the pros and cons, the conversation covers the unique challenges queer couples face when it comes to starting a family—especially when you have two uteruses and no sperm. Jaimie offers her personal insights on parenthood, and the discussion marks the start of a mini-series that will tackle LGBTQIA+ family building. Over the next few episodes, they'll explore questions like: Does ..read more

Leland and Bonnie share their journey through identity, gender, and family. Leland, identifying as Two-Spirit, discusses Native American gender roles and their impactful transition story. Bonnie recalls navigating her identity from the '70s to a polyamorous marriage and raising a son. Together, they recount their creation of a trailblazing trans/non-binary surgical recovery center, a yearly educational BDSM conference, and delve into their latest project, the Beyond Gender conference, aimed at fostering community, education, and support across the gender spectrum. This episode explores accepta ..read more

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 ou ..read more

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 fro ..read more

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 beaut ..read more

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. "I felt lik ..read more