Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie became the world’s first man to give birth, making history. Born female, Thomas transitioned to live as a transgender man. His journey to parenthood amazed many and stirred controversy around the globe.
Thomas’s story began in Hawaii, where he was born Tracy Lehuanani LaGondino in 1974. By the age of ten, he identified as a boy. At 23, Thomas began testosterone therapy, paving the way for his transition. Despite challenges, he thrived in his career as a model and excelled in martial arts.
In 2002, Thomas had surgery to remove his breasts and changed his sex marker to male. However, he kept his female reproductive organs, a decision that later allowed him to become pregnant. In 2006, Thomas paused his testosterone treatment to fulfill his dream of becoming a parent. After he and his then-wife Nancy faced fertility issues, Thomas chose to carry the child himself. The news of his pregnancy created a media frenzy, earning him the nickname “the pregnant man.”
While many were fascinated, Thomas faced intense backlash, including hate mail and death threats. He shared, “Doctors discriminated against us, turning us away because of their religious beliefs. Health care professionals refused to use male pronouns for me or recognize Nancy as my wife.”
Despite these challenges, Thomas’s perseverance led to the birth of his daughter Susan in 2008. He opted for a natural birth, marking a groundbreaking moment as the first legally recognized male to give birth within a marital union with a woman. Over time, Thomas has continued to challenge ideas about gender and parenthood. He has openly shared his experiences, including an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2008.
Today, Thomas lives quietly in Phoenix with his wife Amber and their blended family. He works as a stockbroker and occasionally takes public-speaking and acting opportunities. Reflecting on his journey, Thomas said, “When my story came out, most people had never heard of a transgender man in the public eye.” His bravery has inspired many, reminding the world about the importance of self-acceptance and love.