Trystan Reese, a transgender man, made headlines earlier this year as he embarked on the extraordinary journey of pregnancy. Recently, he and his partner welcomed their newborn baby boy, Leo, into the world, demonstrating the power of love and determination in the face of adversity.
Leo’s arrival, born on July 14th in Portland, was nothing short of miraculous. Weighing nine pounds, his birth followed a textbook process, lasting about 24 hours in total, with eight hours of active labor and an hour of pushing. Reese reflects on the experience, saying, “Literally the first breath he took and his lungs filling with air and the giant cry he let out was the most amazing experience of my life.”
For Reese and his partner, who had previously adopted two children, Leo’s birth marked a new chapter in their lives. As new parents, they are learning and growing every day, relishing in the development and growth of their precious baby boy.
The couple has been sharing their unique journey on social media, where they have garnered a strong following. They have run a blog about their experiences as gay adoptive parents, and now, they are sharing their experiences as new parents. The response from their audience has been overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating their story as proof that transgender individuals can successfully navigate pregnancy and childbirth.
However, being public figures also means opening themselves up to negative commentary and hate. Reese acknowledges the risks, saying, “Anything that we post publicly runs the risk of being snagged and posted on tabloid sites and magazines where the comments section is just a free-for-all.” While they do receive critical messages, they also receive an outpouring of supportive ones.
Reese’s advice for transgender parents and anyone considering parenthood is to prioritize a secure and loving relationship and to build a supportive network of medical professionals who understand transgender issues. He recognizes that navigating pregnancy within a medical system that may not always be informed about transgender-specific needs can be challenging, so finding the right healthcare team is crucial.
Trystan Reese’s journey to parenthood is a testament to the resilience and strength of the transgender community. Despite the adversities they may face, he and his family are committed to raising their children to be strong and resilient individuals who can withstand bigotry and hatred when confronted with it.
As for now, Reese is focused on the joys of being a new dad and cherishing all the precious moments, from reading and singing to his son to answering the tough questions about the world. His story serves as an inspiration to many, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a loving and dedicated parent, regardless of gender identity.
