LGBTQ Families Day

Isn’t it great that all families are not the same? Diverse families help make interesting neighborhoods and communities that serve to enrich our lives. As a fertility specialist, I’ve helped straight couples struggling with infertility, gay men and lesbian women, bisexual people in same-sex relationships, transgender individuals, as well as straight singles, from around the world - to have children of their own.

We know nearly a dozen other same-sex couples who have also adopted children with special needs, both from the U.S. and abroad. And there are hundreds, if not thousands of others like us across the U.S. The intentionality with which they chose to parent is carried forward into their raising of their daughters and sons. They have done all the things that other parents do, often while facing stigma and a lack of legal stability for their families.

In moving tributes, Julie Wood and her 10-year-old-daughter, Sophie, share memories of Ben, their deeply loved, gay son who died by suicide last year.

Adoption advocate Bryant Huddleston shares the surprises, joys, and stereotypes that come with raising his son, Haven.

Jeanette looks back on how her family grappled with media attention, became dedicated advocates, and strengthened their commitment to unconditional love when they learned their youngest child is trans.