In this episode of "Redefining Family," we wrap up Season Three with a heartfelt reflection on my personal journey and the experiences I've had with my father during his recent hospitalization. I share the emotional rollercoaster of reconnecting with my dad, navigating complex family dynamics, and finding closure in our relationship. The episode begins with my recounting of the unexpected turn of events leading to my father's hospital stay and the mixed emotions I felt when interacting with my stepmom and brother. Despite the challenges, I cherish the moments spent with my dad, watching movies and reminiscing about our shared past.

As we transition into the main segment of the episode, I am thrilled to welcome Zara Hilliard, a remarkable black LGBTQ surrogate who has been passionate about surrogacy since childhood. Zara shares her unique journey, from her early awareness of her identity as a lesbian to her experiences as a surrogate mother. We delve into her motivations for becoming a surrogate, including the personal loss her family faced and her desire to help others build their families.

Zara discusses her own parenting journey, her relationship with her fiancée, and their plans for reciprocal IVF after her current surrogacy. We explore the intricacies of the surrogacy process, including the emotional and legal aspects, the importance of mental preparedness, and the supportive relationships she has built with the intended parents. Zara emphasizes the significance of connection and mutual respect in surrogacy, sharing her positive experiences and the joy of being part of a family’s journey.

Throughout our conversation, Zara's passion for surrogacy shines through, and she encourages other women to consider this path if they feel called to it. She reflects on the impact her middle school teacher had on her decision to pursue surrogacy and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to help others.

As we conclude the episode, I express my excitement for the upcoming Season Four and wish our listeners happy holidays and a joyful new year. This episode is a beautiful blend of personal reflection and inspiring stories, highlighting the power of family, love, and the incredible journey of surrogacy.

In this episode of "Redefining Family," I had the pleasure of welcoming Mark O'Looney and Owen Cannon, an inspiring Irish couple living in the United States. As passionate advocates for LGBTQ+ family rights, particularly in the realm of surrogacy, they shared their unique journey as parents to two daughters, Aria and Nala, both born via surrogacy.

Mark and Owen opened up about their backgrounds, discussing the challenges they faced due to the lack of surrogacy legislation in Ireland. Mark recounted his early realization of being gay, growing up in a conservative environment where being different was not easily accepted. He shared his coming-out story, which coincided with Ireland's historic marriage referendum in 2015. Owen echoed similar sentiments, describing his own journey of self-discovery and the moment he realized he was gay while watching the UK series "Queer as Folk."

The couple's love story unfolded as they met during a community theater audition, where an instant connection sparked between them. Their relationship blossomed over time, leading to a heartfelt proposal that was both romantic and deeply personal, showcasing Mark's thoughtful planning.

As they transitioned into parenthood, Mark and Owen discussed their decision to pursue surrogacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the legal landscape surrounding it. They candidly shared their experiences navigating the complexities of surrogacy, including the challenges posed by Irish law, which does not recognize their parental rights as a same-sex couple. They highlighted the need for advocacy and legal reform to ensure equality for all families, regardless of their structure.

Throughout the episode, Mark and Owen emphasized the significance of community and representation, particularly for their daughters, who are of Nigerian-Irish descent. They spoke about the importance of surrounding their children with diverse role models and ensuring they have a strong sense of identity.

Listeners will find this episode not only informative but also deeply moving, as Mark and Owen's story is a testament to love, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality in family rights. Their journey serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of parenthood and advocacy in today's world.

In this episode of "Redefining Family," I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my long-time friend, Johnny Lee, who shared his deeply personal journey toward parenthood alongside his husband, Sebastian. Having known Johnny for over 15 years, it was both exciting and enlightening to delve into a conversation that explored not only his path to fatherhood but also his coming out experience and the challenges he faced along the way.

Johnny and Sebastian, who have been together for more than 17 years and were legally married on the first day same-sex marriage was legalized in New York in 2011, embarked on an emotionally taxing and expensive journey to become parents. They faced numerous hurdles, including the complex process of selecting an egg donor and finding the right surrogate, as well as the heartache of multiple failed attempts at pregnancy. Ultimately, their perseverance paid off, and they are now proud parents of two boys, ages six and four, through gestational surrogacy.

As we discussed Johnny's current surrogacy journey, I learned that he had just made a deposit for embryos to be created, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He shared the intricacies of the egg donor selection process, likening it to a dating site, and reflected on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory. Johnny emphasized the importance of patience and the reality that the journey to parenthood is often not a quick one, especially for those considering surrogacy or adoption.

The conversation took a poignant turn as Johnny opened up about his coming out journey, which began at a young age in a strict evangelical Christian household. He recounted the challenges he faced when his mother confronted him about his sexuality, leading to years of difficult conversations and strained relationships with his parents. Despite the initial turmoil, Johnny's story is one of resilience and hope, as he ultimately found acceptance and love within his family, particularly during his wedding to Sebastian.

We also touched on the impact of cultural expectations, particularly within the Korean-American community, and how these shaped Johnny's upbringing and his parents' reactions to his sexuality. His candid reflections on the complexities of family dynamics and the evolution of his parents' understanding of LGBTQ+ issues were both moving and insightful.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Johnny shared his thoughts on religion and how his relationship with faith has changed over the years. He expressed a sense of disillusionment with organized religion, particularly in light of the harm it can cause to the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging the journey his parents took to reconcile their beliefs with their love for him.

This episode is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the ongoing journey of redefining what family means. Johnny's story is not only inspiring but also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity. I hope you enjoy this heartfelt conversation as much as I did.

In this episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson speaks with BJ Barone and Frankie Nelson, a couple whose lives changed when a photo of their son’s birth went viral. BJ and Frankie, both high school teachers, reflect on how much society has evolved, noting how being gay is now more accepted compared to the struggles they faced growing up.

Frankie shares his difficult coming out experience and the painful years of keeping his sexuality a secret from his father. BJ, raised in a Catholic family with rigid expectations, discusses his own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Despite these challenges, the two have been together for 17 years, overcoming obstacles along the way.

Their story includes their engagement in 2008, marriage in 2010, and the difficulties BJ faced in having his family accept Frankie, especially during holidays. Frankie also shares how overcoming drug addiction and the desire to become a father helped him find purpose.

Their dream of becoming parents was realized through a smooth surrogacy journey in Canada. BJ and Frankie talk about choosing an egg donor and surrogate, leading to the birth of their son, Milo, during Toronto’s World Pride weekend. The birth was captured in a powerful photo that quickly went viral.

However, the joy of that moment was overshadowed when their photo was misused by anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns in Ireland and Italy. In 2016, BJ and Frankie took legal action, and after a seven-year battle, they won—a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in Italy.

In this episode, BJ and Frankie share their journey, their love, and their dedication to making the world a better place for their son and the LGBTQ+ community.

In this compelling episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson engages in a deep conversation with Diane Hinson, a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and the founder of Creative Family Connections LLC, one of the world’s leading surrogacy agencies. Diane opens up about her journey as a single mother and how her passion for family equality led her to create a top-tier surrogacy agency known for its compassionate care and unparalleled legal expertise in reproductive rights and surrogacy law.

Throughout the episode, Diane discusses her commitment to advancing family equality, highlighting her work in securing landmark court rulings for same-sex parents and advocating for gay-friendly surrogacy legislation. She offers an expert breakdown of the surrogacy process, providing valuable advice on choosing a surrogate and selecting the right surrogacy agency. The conversation also explores ethical concerns in surrogacy, particularly the debate around embryo production and the moral considerations that prospective parents must navigate.

Diane emphasizes the importance of selecting quality surrogates who are driven by a genuine desire to help others build a family, rather than financial motivation. She shares actionable tips for choosing a surrogacy agency and what to look for in a surrogate to ensure a positive and successful surrogacy experience.

A standout moment in the episode is when Diane states, "Finding a surrogate who is doing it for the right reasons, not just for money, is crucial. It’s about ensuring they truly want to help someone build a family." This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate world of surrogacy, reproductive rights, and the evolving definition of family.

Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice from one of the most respected figures in the surrogacy field, Diane Hinson. Whether you're considering surrogacy or simply curious about the legal and ethical aspects of family building, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

In this episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson welcomes Cenk Bulbul, who shares his journey from Turkey to the United States and his experience as a single father of two.

Cenk's early life involved constant relocation due to his father's role as a general in the Turkish army. Despite humble beginnings, he and his siblings prioritized education. He attended a prestigious boarding school, studied industrial engineering, and earned a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1994.

Cenk's self-discovery journey was challenging, as being gay in Turkey meant facing significant societal discrimination. After completing his master's degree, he returned to Turkey but remained closeted, driven by a desire to have children, even considering a heterosexual relationship. Realizing he needed to live authentically, he moved to New York for a PhD in marketing at NYU. Six months after relocating, he came out to his advisor and went on his first date in 2002. His sister was a crucial support, helping him come out to their parents, who eventually accepted him.

In 2016, Cenk began pursuing adoption but switched to surrogacy after setbacks. He connected with a surrogate through friends. And with the help of his surrogate and using donor eggs, he became a parent in 2019. Initially, Cenk didn't plan to have a second child but he realized he wanted to have a sibling for her first-born daughter and he had his second daughter in 2021 working with the same surrogate.

As a proud single father of two, Cenk reflects on his journey, the challenges he faced, and the joy of building his family. Jonathan thanks Cenk for sharing his inspiring story and encourages listeners to subscribe to Redefining Family for more heartfelt stories. Tune in to hear Cenk Bulbul’s incredible story of resilience and the pursuit of family.

In this heartwarming episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson sits down with Brit and Sydney Sharon, a couple whose journey from high school friends to loving partners and dedicated parents is truly inspiring. As proud members of the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, Brit and Sydney share their story of love, acceptance, and community.

Brit and Sydney's love story began in high school and blossomed as they traveled abroad together. Married for eight years, they quickly started their family, raising their children with a strong sense of belonging rooted in their Jewish heritage. Brit, born on a Kibbutz in Israel and having moved to Southern California, brings a rich cultural background, while Sydney’s Ashkenazi heritage complements Brit’s Sephardic Orthodox roots.

Their journey has had challenges. Brit came out to her friends in high school but faced difficulty with her parents when she and Sydney started dating. Over time, and after the loss of three grandparents, Brit's father became more accepting and now advocates for their family. Sydney, who had only dated guys before Brit, shares their reconnection in Tel Aviv and how they built a relationship that has lasted 15 years.

Building their family is a central focus for Brit and Sydney. They discuss the joys and challenges of the sperm donor process and raising their children in a private Jewish school, fostering a community among LGBTQ+ families. They also hope to expand their family with a fourth child.

Advocacy and community are significant in Brit and Sydney’s lives. They promote acceptance and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities. Sydney shares her experience discovering six siblings through her father's sperm donation, adding another layer of complexity to their story. This episode is filled with personal reflections and advice for other LGBTQ+ couples on similar journeys.

In this insightful episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Mark Leondires. He is the founder, Medical Director and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. He is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as being a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ family building.

Dr. Leondires reflects on his upbringing in a Greek Orthodox household where he was unaware of the concept of being gay until college. Despite a strong desire to be a dad, it wasn't until his mid-thirties that he realized his relationships with women weren't fulfilling his dream of fatherhood. Currently, 70-80% of Dr. Leondris's patients are LGBTQ+. He shares his family story, being married to a man and having two kids through egg donation and surrogacy.

Before meeting his husband, Dr. Leondires was prepared to become a single dad. In 2010, Dr. Leondris and his husband achieved a pregnancy through egg donation and surrogacy, prompting him to recognize the challenges LGBTQ+ families face and inspiring him to help others. His caregiving nature led to the creation of Gay Parents to Be, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ family planning.

Dr. Leondires and Jonathan share their experiences of choosing egg donors, emphasizing the importance of examining the donor’s family tree. They also discuss the rigorous selection process for surrogates and egg donors, with only a small percentage making it through. The importance of being truthful with children about their origins is highlighted, with a suggestion to practice the story while holding the child. Jonathan shares his journey of informing his mother about his surrogacy plans, highlighting her ongoing struggle to fully accept it.

The discussion touches on the legality of gay surrogacy, noting that the US and Canada are the only countries where it is fully legal. They also talk about handling societal norms, like celebrating Mother’s Day in LGBTQ+ families.