Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie made headlines as the first transgender man to become pregnant and give birth. Born Tracy LaGondino in Hawaii, he transitioned to live as a man but intentionally kept his female reproductive organs, allowing him to experience pregnancy.
Thomas’s pregnancy and birth of his daughter Susan in 2008 challenged societal norms and sparked global discussion. Despite facing hostility and discrimination, Thomas openly shared his story to promote understanding and inclusion.
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He grew up identifying as male from a young age and underwent hormone therapy in his early twenties. An accomplished model and martial artist before transition, he professionally changed his gender but stopped testosterone in 2006 to conceive.
Throughout multiple pregnancies, Thomas and his then-wife Nancy raised their children as a loving family. His interview on Oprah stressed that the desire to have children is human, not limited by gender identity.
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In 2016, Thomas married his current partner Amber; they live in Oregon with their blended family, including Susan, two sons, and Amber’s grandchild.
Today, Thomas balances work as a stockbroker with public speaking and occasional acting. Reflecting on his pioneer status, he believes his story helped increase awareness about transgender parenthood and fertility rights.
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Thomas remains proud of his journey and the progress it inspired for transgender people everywhere.
