In a groundbreaking moment 16 years ago, Thomas Beatie etched his name in history as the world’s first man to undergo pregnancy. Born female, Thomas underwent a gender transition and now identifies as a transgender man. His remarkable journey to parenthood captured global attention when he gave birth to his first daughter, Susan. Despite facing opposition and death threats, Thomas remained resilient and true to himself. Today, his family has grown to include not only Susan but also two sons. Let’s take a closer look at Thomas Beatie’s extraordinary story and how it continues to evolve.
A Journey of Transformation and Triumph
Born in 1974 in Hawaii as Tracy Lehuanani LaGondino, Thomas Beatie embarked on a transformative journey that would make headlines worldwide. From a young age, Thomas identified as a boy, and by the time he turned 23, he began hormone therapy to support his transition.
Thomas excelled in various pursuits, including modeling and martial arts. His determination and drive led him to reach the finals of the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant and win a junior championship in Taekwondo. However, his journey was far from conventional.
In 2002, Thomas underwent surgery to remove his breasts and legally changed his sex marker to “male.” Remarkably, he chose to retain his female reproductive organs, which would later enable him to become pregnant.
Defying Expectations and Overcoming Challenges
In 2006, Thomas and his then-wife Nancy faced fertility challenges. Undeterred, Thomas made the courageous decision to carry their child himself. This surprising turn of events drew widespread attention when an image of Thomas sporting a heavily pregnant belly circulated in 2008.
However, with fame came adversity. Thomas received hate emails and death threats from various sources, including established media outlets. Despite facing discrimination and ridicule from healthcare professionals and even friends and family, Thomas remained steadfast in his belief in the right to become a parent, regardless of gender identity.
A Trailblazing Advocate for Reproductive Rights
Thomas Beatie’s remarkable story reached a global audience when he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008. During the interview, he emphasized that the desire to have a child is a human desire, not limited to a specific gender. His words challenged societal norms and asserted his personal autonomy.
Over the years, Thomas’s family grew to include his children with Nancy – Susan, Austin, and Jensen. In 2016, he entered a new chapter of his life, marrying his current partner, Amber. Together, they have created a blended family, adding Amber’s grandchild Lily to the mix.
Embracing a Quiet Life with Occasional Spotlight Moments
Now in his 50s, Thomas Beatie lives a relatively quiet life in Oregon with his wife and their children. He works as a stockbroker and occasionally engages in public-speaking and acting opportunities. His older children divide their time between his home and their mother’s residence.
Looking back on the whirlwind of attention he received when his story first broke, Thomas acknowledges the lasting impact of those significant moments. He recognizes that his journey opened people’s eyes to the importance of fertility for transgender individuals and paved the way for greater understanding and acceptance.
A Life Without Regrets
Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Thomas Beatie shares that despite the challenges, he has no regrets. His story inspired countless others and helped push the boundaries of society’s understanding of gender and parenthood. Thomas’s unwavering commitment to authenticity and his right to create a family continues to resonate with people around the world.
While his life may have returned to a quieter pace, the impact of Thomas Beatie’s historic journey will forever be remembered.
