Gay Parents To Be

We have some hopeful news to share! The House passed the Connecticut Parentage Act 141-1, with overwhelming bipartisan support! What’s next, you might ask? Now, we need the Senate to do the same - and we need your support to let them know that you are on board! Here’s how you can help: 1. Contact your own Senator as well as Sen. Looney (D - President Pro Tempore) and Sen. Duff (D - Majority Leader) today to let them know why you support the bill. Ask them to protect Connect...icut children and families by co-sponsoring the CPA (HB 6321) and seeking action on the bill in the Senate. 2. Ask your family members and friends to do this too. Click our link in bio for a sample letter to send to your friends and family. 3. Spread the word on social media so that others are encouraged to do the same. You can share this post or make one of your own! Not sure what to say or who to contact? Visit our link in bio to find all the resources you need. If you still have questions, Message us! We’d be happy to help guide you through the process. #LGBTQIA #CTPolitics #LGBTQ #CPA2021 #Parentage Click here for more information: https://www.glad.org/take-action-for-cpa/

Baby announcement! Doug and Sanj are soon to be dads and we are so excited for themThey worked with our partner fertility clinic Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut and with Circle Surrogacy to make their little #travelingbaby, coming in October! They shared this sweet message with their news: Something we never thought would be part of our life path. Since February last year, we have been going through the surrogacy process, with the help of two INCREDIBLE wom...en, one who has donated her eggs to us, the other who is carrying and nurturing our child. Today we have had our scan at almost 13 weeks and our little baby is growing well and due at the end of October. We are both absolutely over the moon and could not be more grateful, we can’t thank the two selfless caring women who have made this possible enough. As you can imagine it hasn’t been straightforward this year and has had ups and downs throughout so we created a video diary over 14 months which we will share later in the week to hopefully help to demystify surrogacy and answer lots of questions about the process. But for now we are celebrating and enjoying this very special moment. Lots of love Doug & Sanj xx Did you know they also have an amazing YouTube channel? Click the link below to watch their vlog where they beautifully document their surrogacy journey from the beginning of IVF to their exciting 12 week ultrasound! https://youtu.be/8T0HooCXgd8 #dadstobe #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #lovemakesafamily

Did you know we have a fun newsletter that we send out each month called The Voice? Our amazing editor-in-chief Emma thoughtfully writes The Voice with you in mind. We use The Voice to speak out about LGBTQ+ family, fertility, and the future, and to keep you posted on current events that impact our community. We know that LGBTQ+ family building and parenting can be overwhelming, and we want to share all the best resources and news with you to help you feel empowered - whereve...r you are in the process. Here’s a special note from Emma! Hi, I'm Emma! I'm our editor-in-chief at Gay Parents To Be, and I write and send out The Voice each month - here's why you should sign up! Join our ever-growing community of LGBTQ+ parents, families, and expert voices Once a month, you'll hear from me with family-building advice, information, and stories I promise to keep things topical and to meet you wherever you might be in your journey! Subscribers only receive one newsletter a month, so be sure you sign up today so you don’t miss out on our next one, being sent out tomorrow! Already subscribed to The Voice? What do you want to see next? Leave us a comment below! Subscribe here: https://www.gayparentstobe.com/the-voice/ #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #samesexparents #lovemakesafamily

Dan and Adam are soon-to-be fathers of twins! As they eagerly await the arrival of their babies Aubrey and Austin, they are keeping busy prepping their nursery and recently hosted the most gorgeous Beauty and the Beast-themed baby shower! Their amazing surrogate recently hit the 30-week mark in their pregnancy, which means only a few weeks left before Aubrey and Austin enter the world. (Thanks to Dan and Adam for letting us share these beautiful photos with their gestational... carrier!) We are so excited to follow Dan and Adam’s journey into fatherhood. Any advice for twin or first-time parents? Drop it in the comments! #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies

Our founder here at Gay Parents To Be, Dr. Mark Leondires, was recently featured on the cover of Queer Forty! For those of you who don’t know, Dr. Leondires is also the founder and medical director of our partner clinic Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut. Dr. L is also a dad himself! He and his partner Greg are fathers to two beautiful boys, both conceived through egg donation and surrogacy, which means he's not just an expert in LGBTQ+ family-building...he's al...so been through the process as a patient. In this article, we get to hear from Dr. Leondires as he tells his family's story, discusses LGBTQ+ paths to parenthood, the evolution of LGBTQ+ parenting in the USA, and more. Check out the link below for the full article to read Dr. L's answers and learn more about him and his family! #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #samesexparents #lovemakesafamily

We are recognizing our trans siblings today who are battling endometriosis. Did you know that 1 in 10 people with a uterus experience this painful disease? #Endometriosis is a uterine lining-related condition that can cause pain, internal scarring, infertility, and other medical complications. It is commonly diagnosed to those who come to a physician seeking care for pelvic and/or bladder pain - but often goes undiagnosed due to the lack of recognition. When you're trans, get...ting that proper diagnosis can take even longer, due to a variety of factors including the view that endometriosis is primarily a cis women's issue. In reality, anyone with a uterus can have endometriosis! We want to amplify the voices of those who are experiencing endometriosis symptoms - especially in the transgender and gender-diverse community. We need to advocate for a more inclusive endometriosis community in which no one feels excluded because of their identity. "Women themselves have been marginalized for centuries. Now it's time for us to include all the rest of the marginalized people," says endo patient Sally Zori. We couldn't agree more! To read more about Sally's story and the trans endo community, click the link below. #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #transvisibility #nonbinary #protecttransyouth

Family photo update! Moms Kassie and Samantha have so graciously shared their story and beautiful girls with us - we couldn't help but share the full family photo as well. Hint hint: Our partner clinic Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut is doing an exciting feature on Kassie and Samantha's family during National Infertility Awareness Week (April 18-24th). Be sure to check out their page so you don't miss anything! If you would like to read a bit more about Kassi...e and Samantha's family building journey through fertility treatment - scroll a few posts back to read about their experience. #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #samesexparents #lovemakesafamily

Meet Steve and Tim! They have two beautiful children through our partner clinic Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, and worked with two wonderful surrogates who helped make their dreams of having a family a reality. Steve shared a happy family update with us, along with some beautiful photos! In their own words, both of our children were born through RMA of Connecticut (we worked closely with Mark Leondires and Nora Bolger, RN). Ben turned 2 in January. Our luck...y Lucy was born on St Paddy’s Day (March 17th). Dad (Steve) and Papa (Tim) are over the moon and settling into life as a family of four. Ben is THRILLED to be a big brother! Considering a family-building journey of your own? Did you know that seeing a fertility specialist is a great first step? The fertility practice you choose will be there with you every step of the way as you work to find your perfect egg or sperm donor match, and will help connect you with a trusted surrogacy agency and gestational carrier, if needed. If you can, find a fertility practice that is LGBTQIA+ friendly by using the Healthcare Equality Index - a great Human Rights Campaign tool for prospective patients searching for care across the country. #LGBTQIA #LGBTQfamilies #samesexparents #lovemakesafamily

Here's some exciting data: did you know that 63% of LGBTQ+ millennials are thinking about growing their families by having more children or becoming a first time parent? According to an in-depth survey from Family Equality, "48% of LGBTQ+ millennials are actively planning to grow their families, compared to 55% of non-LGBTQ+ millennials, a gap that has narrowed significantly" in recent years. This is encouraging news, showing that the LGBTQ+ community has an increasing varie...ty of options and pathways to parenthood - and are excited to become parents! Dr. Mark Leondires, founder of Gay Parents To Be, and our partner clinic, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, says that this information is empowering to see, and reflects what he's seeing in his patients: "They are not scared, they are happy, and they feel safe. They are unabashed about the fact that they want to have kids. If this is you and you are ready to build a family of your own - you may be wondering what path to parenthood is right for you and what your options might look like! What questions can we help answer for you about LGBTQ+ family building? Comment below! #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #samesexparents #lovemakesafamily

The Dashners are now a little family of three, with the addition of Ms. Hazel Lou! They have been amazing advocates for family-building through surrogacy and we love keeping up with them and seeing all of their new adventures with Hazel! The Dashners shared a bit about their surrogacy journey in their birth announcement post for baby Hazel: Surrogacy is a beautiful gift and we totally lucked out in pairing with the most incredible surrogate and her precious family. She has b...een a fierce protector of our little girl and brought Ms. Hazel Lou into the world with the same love, humility, and determination she’s shown toward us since the day we met. Hearts? Melted. #LGBTQIA #LGBTfamilies #samesexparents #lovemakesafamily

So proud of our founder and medical director of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, Mark Leondires for presenting at #ASRM2020 on #LGBTQ family building and inclusive #fertility care

Wondering what life looks like AFTER a successful #surrogacy journey? Meet two Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut graduates, Mitsuo and Rickard. Known as Mitsu-pappa and Rika-pappa to their son, these two dads are lovingly raising their family in a bilingual house in Sweden, where their #LGBTQrights as parents are protected. Want to learn more about their journey to fatherhood, and the advocacy work they are doing to help other #LGBTQfamilies around the world? Read more from their Gays With Kids feature here: https://bit.ly/37qwr5h

#SpiritDay is dedicated to speaking out against bullying and standing with our #LGBTQ youth, and every year we're blown away by the #love and support that is shown on this day. In this video, our own Dr. Mark Leondires speaks on why this day is near and dear to his heart, and (quite frankly) gives us all the feels You are loved. We're going purple today (virtually) and standing with GLAAD and our whole community every day. Spread the word, wear purple, or donate to show your support this Spirit Day. #lovewins

When we saw this post from one of our amazing mamas, Becky, we knew we had to share. Thank you for sharing this part of your experience with our Gay Parents To Be and RMA of CT family. Becky’s words: When Gemma was born we were strongly advised to do a second parent adoption under the current administration. At first I didn’t want o because I didn’t understand why I should have to adopt my own child. I am on the birth certificate and Gemma shares both of our names. But the ...idea of someone taking literally my everything away from me was the reason I went through with it. I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me that Gemma is mine, but I’m sad other people do. Please vote. For more information on what a second parent adoption is and why it’s important to advocate for parentage laws: https://www.gayparentstobe.com//lgbtq-parenthood-legal-pr/

#Repost @attzs_ #NationalComingOutDay has a different significance for everyone. This image and quote from one of our favorite artists says it all, well. It’s National Coming Out Day today... To mark this significant day, here’s a little illustration to honour of us who have had those realisations and conversations, with ourselves and one another. There is no right time to come OR right way to come out. The experience is different for everyone. From big, proud public announcements, to sensitive conversations round a table. And those quiet and tender moments of personal revelations; the first time that the words just slip out; whether it’s walk in a park, a text to a friend, or just a nod in the mirror to say this is who I am You are you, regardless whether you come out or not, and however or whenever we chose to express ourselves is entirely valid. Often we’ll find ourselves coming out again and again and again, countless times throughout our lives, to countless different people. I’m sure they’ll be a time where it isn’t necessary. And as many have wisely said; maybe best articulated by @tanyacompas is rather than us coming out; we are letting people in But to those who haven’t yet come out you are still bold and authentically beautiful. Finding ourselves and discovering the language that best describes who we are, in all our depth can be a life long journey. Coming out may not be a onetime experience, but something we learn to do, again and again; and that is powerful. Thinking back to the conversations I’ve had with friends and family, the lower times of my life, the unhappy and fearful periods I’ve spent questioning my identity and worried what others would think. I’m still growing, and still learning about myself each day and flourishing into the very best version of myself. However long it will take, there is no time limit to understanding and embracing who we are. To all in the community, on this day; whether you’re out or not, sending my warmest wishes, love and joy. You are wonderful in all your colours. #comingoutday #comingout #pride #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #trans #bisexual #queer #blackartmatters

#repost If These Ovaries Could Talk #LGBTQ families and communities are expanding all over the US, but there are still legal hoops to jump through - not just for #gayparentstobe but even for existing #samesexparents ! A big thanks to Jaimie from If These Ovaries Could Talk for giving us some insight into this aspect of #lgbtqparenting - we support you! ... Right now, even if a non-biological parent is listed on a child’s birth certificate, they are considered a legal stranger in most states. Without this designation, they are denied input on things like their child’s medical treatment, intrastate travel, and more. A second-parent adoption is one way to work around this issue, but it involves time, effort, and costly legal fees - which we’re sure Jaimie is all too familiar with. Read more about the legal status (and complications) of LGBTQ parenthood, parentage, and #secondparentadoption here: https://www.gayparentstobe.com//lgbtq-parenthood-legal-pr/

Every year Human Rights Campaign conducts a survey that recognizes healthcare practices and providers who reach (or exceed) a standard of #LGBTQ inclusivity and equity. We're so proud to announce that we here at Gay Parents To Be & Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut have been designated a Healthcare Equality Leader for the fourth year in a row. Read more below about the HRC, the HEI, and how you can use these tools to choose the best practice for your family building journey https://www.gayparentstobe.com//hrc-hei-lgbtq-equality-ed/

It's #LGBTQHistoryMonth - and for us, that means taking time to celebrate the past, present, and bright future of our #lgbtqfamilies Swipe for a few highlights that have brought us to where we are today, and for a glimpse of what a long road it has been (and still is) to achieve legal parentage for ALL families. Read more from our own Dr. Mark Leondires on #LGBTQ families and family building through the years https://www.gayparentstobe.com/gay-par/lgbtq-family-history

As we come to the close of #pcosawarenessmonth we highlight the importance of spreading #PCOS support. These words from Ashley Levinson and her daughter, Hannah, show just how important it is to raise PCOS awareness for everyone, especially members of the LGBTQ commmunity Read the full article for more on PCOS and the LGBTQIA community https://www.gayparentstobe.com/gay-parent/pcos-and-lgbtqia/ #pcoschallenge

So excited to share this Forbes feature of our valued partners at Gays With Kids For years they have helped dads-to-be learn more about building future families, and shared stories of awesome dads. We're proud to be one of their Partners to Fatherhood among a host of other amazing organizations. Read more to learn how they're continuing to connect dads and dads-to-be around the globe! Circle Surrogacy Same Love Surrogacy Simple Surrogacy Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists California Fertility Partners Fertility Specialists of Texas Fertility Centers of Illinois Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut.

We are so excited to announce that our practice, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, has been recognized as a leader in healthcare equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 2020. Watch as Dr. Mark Leondires explains what the HEI is, and what this recognition means to us and our #LGBTQIA community

#tbt to the perfect background while watching our last #surrogacy webinar with Circle Surrogacy For all our dads-to-be, we’re offering another webinar on September 16th at 7:00pm. Watch from wherever you are to start learning about family building for single dads and same sex parents There are still a few spots available - register to reserve yours today!... https://bit.ly/3ijVpFJ See more

Big thanks to Motherly for featuring our own Dr. Mark Leondires debunking some common myths surrounding #LGBTQ family building and parenting. Swipe to see the top misconceptions about #samesex parenting, or click through to read the full story https://www.mother.ly/life/lgbtq-starting-a-family