Logan Brown, a 27-year-old writer, has made history by gracing the cover of Glamour UK, representing the first pregnant transgender man to be featured in the magazine. In a candid interview, Brown shared his personal journey, shedding light on the challenges he faced navigating the healthcare system as a pregnant trans man. He boldly asserted, "I am a trans pregnant man, and I do exist. I am literally living proof."
Glamour UK chose to feature Brown to celebrate the concept of allyship between cisgender women and transgender individuals, particularly in relation to pregnancy, healthcare, and childbirth—a topic rarely discussed within the transgender community.
Reflecting on his unique experience, Brown voiced the difficulties he encountered, stating, "Being pregnant, in general, is really, really difficult. Then add me being trans. No one's actually turned around to me and said, 'Are you OK?' No one's asked what it feels like to be a trans pregnant man."
Unfortunately, Brown also shared that he received hurtful messages online from individuals who refused to believe that men can become pregnant. He expressed his unwavering commitment to his identity, emphasizing, "It's important for me to stay real with my identity. I am a pregnant man, and I am trans."
Contrary to common misconceptions, transgender men, who were assigned female at birth but identify as male, can conceive and give birth just like anyone with female reproductive organs. This includes the possibility of conception through penetrative sex with a sperm provider or through assisted reproductive technology such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dr. Juno Obedin-Maliver, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine, points out that trans pregnancies are often overlooked due to gaps in medical research and education. Out of the approximately 2.3 million transgender adults in the United States, 1 in 10 identify as transgender. While comprehensive data on trans pregnancies is lacking, it is more common than commonly perceived.
The lack of data stems from the medical system's failure to distinguish between gender identity and the capacity for pregnancy. This often results in birthing parents being categorized as "female" on their child's birth certificate by default, even when it is not accurate and without their consent. This bureaucratic oversight hampers efforts to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health are working to bridge the knowledge gap regarding trans male pregnancies. The voices of numerous trans fathers, who have shared their stories online and ignited a movement, contribute to the implementation of broader change. The hashtag #PregnantTransMan has played a significant role in raising awareness and has garnered substantial traction.
Dr. Devon Ojeda, senior national organizer for the National LGBTQ Task Force, emphasizes that the healthcare system must adapt to recognize preventative care beyond the gender binary. This shift is vital for the well-being of transgender individuals seeking healthcare.
As for Logan Brown, he and his partner, TikToker Ida Lundgren, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby girl named Nova. Brown hopes that by sharing his story, he can pave the way for other trans men who wish to embark on their own journey of carrying children. He believes that the mere act of discussing this topic signifies progress. He remarked to Glamour UK, "At least it's being talked about because, back in the day, it was never talked about at all."
Reflecting on his unique experience, Brown voiced the difficulties he encountered, stating, "Being pregnant, in general, is really, really difficult. Then add me being trans. No one's actually turned around to me and said, 'Are you OK?' No one's asked what it feels like to be a trans pregnant man."
Unfortunately, Brown also shared that he received hurtful messages online from individuals who refused to believe that men can become pregnant. He expressed his unwavering commitment to his identity, emphasizing, "It's important for me to stay real with my identity. I am a pregnant man, and I am trans."
Contrary to common misconceptions, transgender men, who were assigned female at birth but identify as male, can conceive and give birth just like anyone with female reproductive organs. This includes the possibility of conception through penetrative sex with a sperm provider or through assisted reproductive technology such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dr. Juno Obedin-Maliver, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine, points out that trans pregnancies are often overlooked due to gaps in medical research and education. Out of the approximately 2.3 million transgender adults in the United States, 1 in 10 identify as transgender. While comprehensive data on trans pregnancies is lacking, it is more common than commonly perceived.
The lack of data stems from the medical system's failure to distinguish between gender identity and the capacity for pregnancy. This often results in birthing parents being categorized as "female" on their child's birth certificate by default, even when it is not accurate and without their consent. This bureaucratic oversight hampers efforts to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health are working to bridge the knowledge gap regarding trans male pregnancies. The voices of numerous trans fathers, who have shared their stories online and ignited a movement, contribute to the implementation of broader change. The hashtag #PregnantTransMan has played a significant role in raising awareness and has garnered substantial traction.
Dr. Devon Ojeda, senior national organizer for the National LGBTQ Task Force, emphasizes that the healthcare system must adapt to recognize preventative care beyond the gender binary. This shift is vital for the well-being of transgender individuals seeking healthcare.
As for Logan Brown, he and his partner, TikToker Ida Lundgren, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby girl named Nova. Brown hopes that by sharing his story, he can pave the way for other trans men who wish to embark on their own journey of carrying children. He believes that the mere act of discussing this topic signifies progress. He remarked to Glamour UK, "At least it's being talked about because, back in the day, it was never talked about at all."