Sixteen years have passed since Thomas Beatie made history as the world’s first man to give birth. Born as Tracy Lehuanani LaGondino in Hawaii in 1974, Thomas underwent a gender transition and identified as a transgender man. His remarkable journey to parenthood was met with both wonder and hostility, but Thomas remained steadfast in his determination to live his truth.
Thomas’s story began to unfold in 2002 when he underwent surgery to remove his breasts. He officially changed his sex marker from female to male on his identity documents but chose to retain his female reproductive organs. This decision would later enable him to become pregnant.
In 2006, Thomas made the courageous decision to carry a child after halting his testosterone treatment. He and his then-wife Nancy faced fertility challenges, but Thomas’s determination to become a father led him to take on the role of carrying their child.
The world was introduced to Thomas’s story in 2008 when a photo of him with a heavily pregnant belly circulated globally. The media dubbed him “the pregnant man,” and his story sparked both fascination and outrage. Thomas received hate emails and death threats, but he remained resolute in his commitment to his family and his identity.
Thomas gave birth to his first child, Susan, in 2008, followed by two more sons, Austin and Jensen. He and Nancy presented themselves as a traditional family, but their love and commitment to each other were constantly challenged by societal norms and expectations.
In 2016, Thomas married his new partner, Amber, and the couple moved to Oregon with their blended family. Thomas continues to live a relatively quiet life, working as a stockbroker and making occasional public appearances.
Looking back on his journey, Thomas acknowledges the lasting impact of his story on the world. He recognizes that his experiences have helped raise awareness about transgender issues and fertility rights. Thomas’s courage and resilience have inspired countless individuals to live their truth, and his story remains an unforgettable testament to the power of love and acceptance.
