The Queer Family Podcast – LGBTQ Families & Queer Parenting Stories

I’m putting this archived conversation back into the world because, like many of you, I’m feeling overwhelmed, angry, and honestly a bit helpless after the most recent ICE killing of Alex Pretti. When violence like this happens it can feel impossible to know where to put our grief or how to turn it into action. This episode with Marie Newman is a reminder that change doesn’t come from waiting to feel less scared—it comes from people who decide to show up anyway. Marie has gone the distance, personally and politically, and hearing from someone who has fought these fights before feels grounding right now. I hope it does for you too.
ARCHIVED EPISODE:
Marie Newman isn’t just an advocate—she’s a fighter. As a former Congresswoman from Illinois, she took on big fights for LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare equity, gun reform, and more. But her mission became personal when her daughter came out as transgender, propelling her even deeper into the fight for equality. In this episode, Marie shares her unexpected path to Congress, the struggles of passing meaningful legislation, and why she refuses to back down—even as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric ramps up across the U.S. and beyond. She also opens up about her family’s journey, the reality of raising a trans child in today’s political climate, and what we can all do to push back against the attacks on our rights. 🔥 Nobody is coming to save us—we have to be the ones to step up. 🔥 🏳️‍🌈
⁠🏳️‍🌈 Loved this episode? Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content & help keep these stories alive!
🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways 🏳️‍🌈
✔️ How Marie’s fight for LGBTQ+ rights began—and why she made it her mission
]✔️ Her journey to Congress & the challenges of passing real change ✔️ Raising a trans child & navigating the medical & legal system
✔️ The dangerous rollback of trans rights & DEI policies
✔️ How to get involved and push back against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Marie Newman is a former U.S. Congresswoman from Illinois who built a career fighting for marginalized communities. Before politics, she worked in marketing, anti-bullying activism, and women’s rights advocacy. She’s also the author of A Life Made From Scratch, a powerful memoir about her journey. As the mother of a trans daughter, Marie has dedicated her career to creating a more inclusive world. 📖 Preorder her book, "A Life Made From Scratch," here
🏳️‍🌈🎧 Loved this episode? Leave a review & support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!
🏳️‍🌈 💬 What resonated most with you? Drop a comment, DM us, or email at [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!
🏳️‍🌈 📲 Let’s Connect! Follow us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈🎥 Watch & Listen: 📺 Watch full video episodes on YouTube
📖 Order the #ITOCT book on Amazon, IndieBound, or Audible
🎶 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🎵 Theme song by: Tiffany Topol 🎨 Logo art by: Daneen Stevenato 🛍️
🏳️‍🌈Put your activism into action 🗳️ Vote, donate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights 📢 Call your representatives—let them know we won’t stand for discrimination 💡 Educate yourself & others on policies affecting our community History is watching. What we do now matters. The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation!

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ARCHIVE (Recorded in 2024): Meet Shawndeez, a non-binary trans dad who shares their journey towards self-discovery and parenthood. Shawndeez discusses the challenges they faced as a queer and trans individual, their decision to pursue IVF and egg retrieval, and the importance of unconditional love in the parent-child relationship. Shawndeez also talks about their work supporting parents of trans children and the need for compassionate guidance in navigating the complexities of gender identity. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation
🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways
Shawndeez's journey of self-discovery highlights the complexities of growing up queer and trans in a conservative environment and the subsequent path to embracing their true identity.
The decision to pursue reciprocal IVF, where Shawndeez provided the egg and their partner carried the pregnancy, underlines the diverse ways queer families can come about.
Shawndeez emphasizes the importance of having supportive medical professionals and a spiritually-driven mindset during their transition and fertility process.
Discussions about the emotional work that comes with navigating a trans child's experience, particularly for cisgender and heterosexual parents, underscore the need for understanding and open communication within families.
Shawndeez's current work focuses on helping parents of trans children embrace and understand their child's identity, advocating for compassion and unconditional love.

🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈
With a PhD in Gender Studies from UCLA, Shawndeez is not only thoroughly literate in topics surrounding gender and sexuality but also applies this knowledge to real-world contexts. As a trans-parent who has navigated personal and social transformations, Shawndeez now dedicates a significant portion of their work to supporting parents of trans children, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and fostering love and acceptance within families.
If you loved this conversation, share it with someone who needs it — especially a parent, grandparent, or loved one who’s trying to learn how to better support the trans young person in their life. And if you want to support the show, check out the Patreon: patreon.com/thequeerfamilypodcast.

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsors!
🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned
Queer midwife Marea Goodman's virtual community: Pregnant Together
Shawndeez on Instagram- @drshawndeez
Shawndeez’s website: https://www.shawndeez.com/

🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]
🎧 Loved this episode?
Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!
OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:
🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content
🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?
Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!
🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!
Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube
🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 
🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website
🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode was recorded in 2020 and originally released under the show’s former name, If These Ovaries Could Talk. While Ranae von Meding’s family life may look a bit different today, the laws in Ireland have not meaningfully changed—and many same-sex parents are still fighting for full legal recognition and protection for their children.
At eight months pregnant, Ranae von Meding learned a shocking truth: after the birth of her child, her wife Audrey would not be legally recognized as a parent under Irish law—even though they were married, and even though Audrey is the genetic parent.
In this archival episode (recorded in 2020), Ranae shares how she and Audrey built their family through reciprocal IVF abroad, the exhausting workarounds required when care isn’t fully accessible at home, and why Irish law has left many LGBTQ+ families in precarious legal territory. She also explains what it looks like to fight back—through advocacy, organizing, and Equality for Children, a campaign centered on one core message: this is about children’s rights.
🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways
Marriage equality doesn’t automatically mean parental equality. In Ireland, being legally married doesn’t guarantee both parents are recognized when it comes to children.
In many cases, the birth parent is the only legal parent. Even when the non-birth parent is genetically related (using their eggs), they may still have zero legal status.
Reciprocal IVF wasn’t accessible in Ireland at the time. Ranae and Audrey had to travel abroad (Spain and Portugal), navigate complex logistics, and coordinate care at home without local fertility support.
New legislation was coming—but only for a narrow group. The criteria described would exclude many families, including Ranae’s.
Their legal action aims to amend their children’s birth certificates. The case isn’t about money—it’s about recognition and rights.
A court win could create momentum and pressure. Even if it doesn’t instantly change the law for everyone, it could force the government to respond faster and set a path others can follow.
Equality for Children became a real movement—fast. Within 24 hours of a community “call to action,” the group had a name, a website, branding support, and a public launch strategy.
This advocacy is powered by parenting. Ranae describes the specific kind of relentless strength that shows up when the stakes are your kids.

🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈
Robin Hopkins — original co-host of If These Ovaries Could Talk and interviewer for this episode.
Ranae (Renee) von Meding is a Dublin-based writer, blogger, and LGBTQ+ family advocate. She and her wife Audrey are raising their children and are the founders/organizers behind Equality for Children, a campaign pushing for full legal recognition and protections for children of LGBTQ+ parents in Ireland.

🗂️ Archival Note
This episode was originally released under the show’s former name. Audio quality, sponsor ads, and cultural context reflect the time in which it was recorded.

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsors!
🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned
Follow Ranae on Instagram
Family Equality

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🎧 Loved this episode?
Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!
OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:
🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content

🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?
Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!
🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!
Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube
🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 
🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Edit Audio 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website
🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode originally aired back when the show was called If These Ovaries Could Talk, hosted by Jaimie Kelton and Robin Hopkins — before the show evolved into The Queer Family Podcast.
Over the years, I’ve had countless listeners reach out asking the same thing: “Can you connect me with Emily and Sara? I want to learn how they shipped fresh sperm.” So I’m resurfacing this conversation because yes — it can work. And since this episode first aired, Emily and Sara have helped many others create their families using the same method.
In this archival episode, Emily and Sara share the truly unforgettable story of how they made a baby by shipping fresh sperm to Northern Canada, using test yolk buffer, precise temperature control, and the kind of coordination that can only come from a very committed family — including Sara’s brother Justin, one of her quadruplet siblings and their known donor.
Between COVID travel restrictions, cargo flights to remote communities, DIY temperature experiments, and more than a few logistical curveballs, this episode is equal parts educational, funny, stressful, and deeply hopeful.
🗂️ Archival Note
This episode was originally released under the show’s former name. Audio quality, sponsor ads, and cultural context reflect the time in which it was recorded.
🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways
Shipping fresh sperm can work, even over long distances and to remote locations.
Temperature control mattered more than anything — success came after dialing in the ideal range (cold, but not frozen).
Test yolk buffer helped preserve sperm viability during transit.
Cargo and courier shipping require flexibility, backup plans, and patience.
Emily tracked ovulation carefully (BBT + ovulation strips) and they inseminated across multiple days to cover timing variability.
A strong support system — aka the village — made all the difference.
Known donor arrangements can be deeply positive when communication, trust, and legal clarity are in place.

🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s) 🏳️‍🌈
Robin Hopkins — original co-host of If These Ovaries Could Talk and interviewer for this episode.
Emily & Sara (cis women, both identify as queer)
Plus a bonus clip from Justin (donor) explaining how temperature tracking helped make the successful shipment possible.

🏳️‍🌈 Legal & Parentage (Canada-Specific)🏳️‍🌈
Emily and Sara discuss working with a lawyer to create a known donor agreement, and navigating province-by-province differences in parentage laws. Requirements vary, and they emphasize the importance of understanding local regulations.

🏳️‍🌈 Sponsors (Original Air Date) 🏳️‍🌈
This episode originally included ads for TUSHY, First Republic Bank, and Storyworth.
🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/
🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]
🎧 Loved this episode?
Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!
OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:
🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content

🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?
Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!
🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!
Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube
🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 
🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website
🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As we head into a new year, we’re revisiting a very special episode — and carrying those Pride vibes forward with us.
This episode originally aired as the finale of our very first Pride Extravaganza, where all month long (and a little beyond) we doubled up on Queer Family goodness with incredible guests and powerful stories.
For this grand finale, I asked every single Pride Extravaganza guest one simple but loaded question:
What does Pride mean to you?
What you’ll hear is a moving compilation — a beautiful quilt of voices reflecting on Pride as visibility, self-love, family, community, resistance, joy, responsibility, and hope. These answers will absolutely give you the feels.
Let this episode be your reminder as we move forward together:
Pride is every day.
Stay proud of who you are.
Stay proud of your differences.
Stay proud of your uniqueness.
And keep showing up — unapologetically.
We’re here. We’re queer. We make families. And we make beautiful, intentional families.
Happy Pride — always. 🌈✨

🗂️ Archival Note
This episode originally aired as Season 12, Episode 13, closing out the show’s first-ever Pride Extravaganza. Audio quality, format, and language reflect the time it was recorded.

🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/

🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]
🎧 Loved this episode?
Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!
OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:
🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content
🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?
Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!
🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!
Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube
🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 
🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website
🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy