Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie made history by becoming the world’s first man to give birth. Born female, 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 in Hawaii, where he was born Tracy Lehuanani LaGondino in 1974. At the age of ten, Thomas began identifying as a boy, and by 23, he had started testosterone therapy. Despite facing challenges, Thomas pursued a successful career as a model and excelled in martial arts.
In 2002, Thomas underwent surgery to remove his breasts and officially changed his sex marker to male. However, he chose to retain his female reproductive organs, a decision that would later enable him to become pregnant.
Thomas’s desire to have a child led him to halt his testosterone treatment in 2006. He and his then-wife Nancy faced fertility challenges, but Thomas courageously decided to carry the child himself. The news of his pregnancy sparked a media frenzy, with Thomas being dubbed “the pregnant man.”
Despite the attention, Thomas faced intense backlash, including hate emails and death threats. He recalled, “Doctors have discriminated against us, turning us away due to their religious beliefs. Health care professionals have refused to call me by a male pronoun or recognize Nancy as my wife.”
Thomas’s determination and resilience led to the birth of his daughter Susan in 2008. He defied expectations by opting for a natural birth, marking the first documented instance of a legally recognized male giving birth within a marital union with a woman.
Over the years, Thomas has continued to challenge conventional perceptions surrounding gender and parenthood. He has spoken publicly about his experiences, including a notable interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008.
Today, Thomas lives a relatively quiet life with his wife Amber and their blended family. He works as a stockbroker in Phoenix and occasionally takes on public-speaking jobs and acting opportunities.
Reflecting on his journey, Thomas acknowledged the lasting impact of his story. “When my story came out, there wasn’t a single person in the public eye as a transgender man — most people had never heard of it.” Thomas’s courage and resilience have inspired countless individuals, and his story continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and love.
