Pregnancy has long been seen as a journey for cisgender women, shaping everything from medical guidelines to everyday language about family. Yet, as society grows in understanding gender, we see that parenthood isn’t limited by old ideas. Transgender men who choose to carry children show us that biology and identity can beautifully coexist, creating families filled with love and strength.
Their stories remind us that becoming a parent is about heart, not just body. These men face unique challenges but prove that the desire to nurture life is universal. By sharing their experiences, they help build a world where every path to parenthood is celebrated and supported with kindness.
1. Trystan Reese: A Loving Start to a “Textbook” Fatherhood Journey
Trystan Reese, a transgender man, dreamed of growing his family with partner Biff Chaplow. They talked openly about pregnancy, even though Biff worried about safety in a world not always kind to trans people. After research showed it was possible and healthy, they decided to try, turning hesitation into hope. Trystan’s pregnancy felt familiar yet extraordinary, with tiredness, nausea, and joy leading to their son Leo’s birth in 2017. He received caring medical support and aimed to be an easy patient. His story highlights how love and preparation can make dreams real, no matter the path.
Key Moments in Trystan’s Path
- Honest talks with Biff turned “no” into excited planning for a baby.
- Stopping testosterone took five months, but conception happened naturally at home.
- Kaiser Permanente doctors offered respectful, expert care throughout prenatal visits.
- Leo arrived healthy after a smooth delivery, proving trans pregnancies can be routine.
- Trystan sees himself as joining, not changing, the world of birth stories.
The whole experience strengthened their bond as parents. Trystan laughs about crashing the “pregnancy party” but knows his journey inspires others. He hopes for better language and care, comparing it to past breakthroughs like women driving freely.
2. Frankie: Turning Heartache into Joy in New Zealand
In beautiful Canterbury, New Zealand, transgender man Frankie and partner Rāwā welcomed daughter HiwaiteRangi in 2023. They shared their story to show trans couples that kids are possible, even after tough times like miscarriages and failed treatments that left them feeling hopeless. A surprise positive test on New Year’s Eve brought shock and silent showers, then pure happiness. Frankie paused testosterone for seven months and managed health issues with doctors’ help. Their home water birth, though complicated, filled them with gratitude and love from everyone around.
Frankie’s Resilience Highlights
- Multiple losses tested faith, but support from trans friends kept hope alive.
- Hypothyroid care needed team effort to safely support pregnancy changes.
- One clinic mixup aside, most medical experiences felt smooth and safe.
- Family cheered loudly, with pets included in the auntyuncle excitement.
- Upcoming documentary will share their water birth to educate others.
Now focused on raising Hiwa, they dream of more children someday. Frankie found peace in choosing pregnancy despite dysphoria, feeling truly himself. Their family shows how persistence and community turn dreams into everyday miracles.
3. Caleb Bolden: Pausing Dreams to Build a Family in England
Caleb Bolden, 27, from Cambridgeshire, England, stopped his transition to carry a child after partner Niamh faced heartbreaking miscarriages and stillbirths. Doctors said her eggs couldn’t work, so Caleb chose this sacrifice, knowing parenthood meant more than anything to them both. Hormones shifted fast after quitting testosterone, bringing dysphoria but also quick conception via IUI. Caleb birthed daughter IslaRae naturally in 2023, praising private hospital care. Recovery was painful with infections, yet love for his baby grew strong with Niamh’s help.
Caleb’s Courageous Steps
- Started transition in 2017; paused injections in 2022 for family dreams.
- Found donor online, built trust, succeeded in three IUI tries.
- Most reactions positive; coworkers surprised but fully supportive.
- Hospital gave separate room, specialist plan for privacy and comfort.
- Plans another pregnancy soon, then resumes hormones confidently.
Caleb now feels like the dad he always wanted to be. He tells trans people they belong in parenthood, no hiding needed. His message spreads kindness: biology doesn’t define worth or family roles.
4. Wyley Simpson: Facing Fears to Embrace Fatherhood in Texas
Wyley Simpson in San Antonio learned he was pregnant midtransition, shocking him and fiancé Stephan Gaeth. They thought about adoption but chose to parent, turning fear into commitment for their unexpected little one. Public stares and cruel words hurt, calling him names that questioned his manhood. Inside, the bump challenged his identity, pausing hormones. Still, birthing son Rowan via Csection in 2018 brought joy worth every struggle.
Wyley’s Emotional Milestones
- February news sparked worry, then deep talks led to keeping baby.
- Endured abuse like “men don’t carry,” yet stayed strong for family.
- Bump felt feminine, messing with head, but love made it okay.
- Rowan weighed 7lbs 5oz; postbirth hormones resumed, easing mind.
- Won’t carry again but cherishes bond, feels fully man as dad.
Life settled into happy gay dads routine after the bump faded. Wyley knows his choice was personal, not lessening his transition. Rowan’s smiles remind him sacrifices build the best families.
5. Jesse ‘Sulli’ Sullivan: Blending Care in a Modern LGBTQ Home
Jesse “Sulli” Sullivan, 35, raises kids with both gentle dad and nurturing touches, owning his “maternal” side proudly. He birthed first child Arlo at 18 pretransition, then built a big family with fiancée Francesca Farago and their twins. Social media shares their daily life as activism, showing trans guys grocery shop and cuddle babies normally. Moving to Canada ensures safety amid U.S. policy worries, prioritizing kids’ freedom to be themselves.
Sulli’s Family Philosophy
- Raised Arlo solo 13 years while transitioning into true self.
- Twins Locket and Poetry, 7 months, join nonbinary teen Arlo happily.
- Posts prove trans life is ordinary love, not just headlines.
- Saw double standards as past “mom,” now freer as dad.
- Gentle parenting skips punishment, lets kids explore princesses or more.
Sulli wants youth to see possibilities without fear. His blended roles teach patience and openness, creating a home where everyone thrives in their own way.
6. Malachi Clarke: Celebrating Natural Joy as UK’s First
Malachi Clarke, with partner Charlie Bennett, naturally conceived son Baby A, the first UK man to do so. They share openly to fight stereotypes, proving trans people live happy, full lives with kids calling them Daddy and Dadda. Coming off hormones felt right; pregnancy affirmed Malachi more than surgery. Daily nursery drops and work show normalcy in their gay trans couple life, despite rare dynamics even in LGBTQ spaces.
Malachi’s Affirmations
- Out at 17, testosterone at 19, top surgery at 20 privately funded.
- Met Charlie three years ago; both craved kids, conceived easily.
- Rejects “gay sex” labels: “hearts not parts” guide their love.
- Pregnancy loved; felt manly with reproductive system, no femininity.
- Plans more kids, advocates no egg freezing if hormones paused.
Malachi’s childhood clues led to online discovery and swift private care. NHS delays pushed him forward, but joy in fatherhood shines brightest, inspiring inclusive family views everywhere.
7. Embracing Diverse Paths to Parenthood Today
These fathersTrystan, Frankie, Caleb, Wyley, Sulli, and Malachiweave a story of courage and care that redefines family. Each paused transitions, faced stares, or fought systems, yet chose love every time, birthing healthy kids and strong bonds. Society learns from them: parenthood welcomes all who nurture with heart. Their joys in first cries, midnight feeds, and toddler laughs prove biology serves love, not limits it. We must push for better care, kind words, and open minds.
Why These Stories Matter Now
- Challenge old norms, showing men carry without losing identity.
- Highlight medical needs like hormone pauses, private rooms, competency.
- Inspire trans youth dreaming of cribs alongside true selves.
- Build empathy; families evolve, love stays the timeless core.
- Call for policies protecting rights, ensuring safe parenting everywhere.
As we listen, we grow kinder, seeing every bump, birth, and bedtime as part of humanity’s big, beautiful tapestry. These dads invite us to celebrate difference, support dreams, and remember family starts with open hearts.
