Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie made history as the first man to become pregnant. Born female in 1974 in Hawaii as Tracy Lehuanani LaGondino, Thomas identified as male from childhood. At 23, he began testosterone therapy, later undergoing chest surgery and legally changing his gender while retaining his reproductive organs.

In 2006, Thomas paused hormone treatment to conceive after his then-wife, Nancy, faced fertility challenges. His pregnancy in 2008, documented worldwide, sparked controversy, bringing both global attention and death threats. Despite the backlash, Thomas remained resolute, advocating for reproductive rights regardless of gender.

Following a natural birth, Thomas and Nancy welcomed their daughter, Susan, later expanding their family with two sons. In 2016, after divorcing Nancy, Thomas married Amber, blending their families in Oregon.

Now in his 50s, Thomas leads a quieter life in Phoenix as a stockbroker. His older children share time between his home and their mother’s. He occasionally engages in public speaking and acting, reflecting on his impact in raising awareness of transgender parenthood.

“When my story came out, there wasn’t a single transgender man in the public eye,” he recalled, recognizing his role in changing perceptions. Despite the challenges, he remains proud of his journey: “I still don’t regret it.”