He was the first man in the world to give birth – 16 years later, he looks like this
Thomas Beatie made history 16 years ago as the first man to become pregnant. Born female, he transitioned to identify as a transgender man and gained global attention with the birth of his daughter, Susan. Despite facing death threats and backlash, Thomas remained an advocate for his identity and has since welcomed two more children.
Born in 1974 in Hawaii, Thomas began identifying as male at ten and started testosterone therapy at 23. He underwent breast removal surgery and retained his female reproductive organs, enabling him to conceive. In 2006, he paused his testosterone treatment to try for a child with his then-wife, Nancy. The world first saw him pregnant in 2008, leading to widespread media coverage.
Thomas faced significant challenges, including discrimination from healthcare providers. His first child, Susan, was born after a 48-hour labor. Over five years, he had four more pregnancies, presenting himself as a traditional family man.
His notable appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2008 emphasized his belief in the right to bear children, challenging conventional views on gender and parenthood. After divorcing Nancy, he married Amber in 2016, and they now live in Oregon with their blended family.
Currently working as a stockbroker, Thomas leads a quieter life but occasionally participates in public speaking and acting. Reflecting on his past, he acknowledges the significant impact of his story in raising awareness about transgender issues and fertility, stating, “I still don’t regret it.”
