Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie made history by becoming 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 sparked both amazement and controversy worldwide.
Thomas’s story began with a challenging childhood. At the age of ten, he started identifying as a boy, and by 23, he had initiated testosterone therapy. Thomas pursued a career in modeling and even reached the finals of the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant. He also excelled in martial arts, winning a junior championship in Taekwondo.
In 2002, Thomas underwent surgery to remove his breasts and officially changed his sex marker to “male” on his identity documents. However, he chose to retain his female reproductive organs, which would later enable him to become pregnant.
Thomas’s decision to carry a child was motivated by fertility challenges with his then-wife Nancy. He halted his testosterone treatment and became pregnant in 2006. The news of his pregnancy sent shockwaves around the world, with many referring to him as “the pregnant man.”
Thomas faced intense backlash, including death threats and hate emails. Despite the challenges, he remained determined to have a natural birth. On June 29, 2008, Thomas gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Susan.
Thomas’s journey was not without its challenges. He experienced four more pregnancies, including an ectopic pregnancy, over the course of five years. Thomas and his first wife, Nancy, raised Susan and their two sons, Austin and Jensen, as a traditional family.
Thomas’s story gained international attention, and he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008. He advocated for the reproductive rights of transgender individuals, emphasizing that the desire to have a child is a human desire, regardless of gender identity.
Today, Thomas lives a relatively quiet life in Phoenix with his wife Amber. He works as a stockbroker and occasionally takes on public-speaking jobs and acting opportunities. Thomas’s story continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of fertility for trans individuals and the need for acceptance and understanding.
Looking back on his journey, Thomas acknowledges the significant impact of his story on the world. He recognizes that his experience has helped raise awareness about transgender issues and has paved the way for others to share their stories.
Thomas’s unforgettable story serves as a reminder that love, family, and identity come in many forms. His courage and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire people around the world.
