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.