Sixteen years ago, Thomas Beatie made headlines around the globe as the world’s first legally recognized man to give birth. It wasn’t just shocking—it was revolutionary. The image of a bearded, pregnant man stirred up debates, curiosity, support, and sadly, plenty of backlash. But Beatie didn’t just carry a child—he carried the weight of a movement on his shoulders.

Now, more than a decade and a half later, his life looks very different. But his journey still inspires anyone who’s ever been told they can’t live as their true self.

From Tracy to Thomas: A Personal Transformation

Thomas was born in 1974 in Hawaii as Tracy LaGondino. From a young age, he felt out of place in his own body. By the time he was ten, he already identified as male. While the world saw a teenage girl who competed in the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant and trained in martial arts, Thomas knew deep down he was someone else.

In his early twenties, Thomas began testosterone therapy, and in 2002, he underwent gender-affirming surgery to remove his breasts. He legally changed his gender to male on all official documents, but chose to retain his reproductive organs—something that would become unexpectedly pivotal later in life.

Video: Pregnant Man’s – Thomas Beatie’s – Third Baby – Official Page

Pregnancy as a Man: How It Happened

Here’s where the story flips the script. In 2006, Thomas and his wife, Nancy, struggled with infertility. Since Nancy couldn’t conceive due to a hysterectomy, Thomas made a life-altering decision: he would carry their baby.

He stopped taking testosterone and underwent artificial insemination. What followed was a media firestorm when photos of a pregnant, bearded Thomas made their way to the public in 2008. He became known worldwide as “the pregnant man.”

It was more than a media moment—it was a cultural shockwave.

Public Scrutiny and Personal Pain

You can imagine the backlash. Hate mail, death threats, medical discrimination—Thomas faced it all. He recalled doctors refusing to treat him, receptionists mocking him, and people refusing to recognize Nancy as his spouse. Even close friends and family turned their backs.

But he didn’t back down.

He gave birth to their daughter, Susan, in 2008 after 48 hours of labor. Later, he had two more children—sons Austin and Jensen—all while staying off hormones for five years. Despite the cruelty from the outside world, Thomas kept his head up and built a loving, grounded family.

Becoming a Global Voice for Trans Rights

Video: If Men Got Pregnant

Thomas’s decision to speak out was just as groundbreaking as his pregnancy. His hour-long appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show reached millions and opened countless minds to the reality of trans lives. He famously said, “It’s not a male or female desire to want to have a child; it’s a human desire.”

He wasn’t just defending his decision—he was redefining what it means to be a parent.

Back then, transgender visibility was almost non-existent. This was before Chaz Bono. Before Caitlyn Jenner. Thomas was a pioneer in every sense of the word.

Life After the Spotlight: Fatherhood, Divorce, and New Love

Not all stories have smooth arcs. In 2012, Thomas divorced Nancy. The split was difficult and delayed his future plans. But eventually, he found love again with Amber, whom he’d known since 2012.

In 2016, Thomas and Amber married and built a new life together in Oregon. Their blended family included Susan, Austin, Jensen, and Amber’s granddaughter, Lily. It was noisy, chaotic, and full of love—exactly what Thomas always wanted.

He now splits parenting duties with his ex-wife, co-parenting his older children across two homes.

Where Is Thomas Beatie Today?

So, what’s Thomas up to now?

He’s swapped the media circus for a quieter life. Today, Thomas works as a stockbroker in Phoenix, Arizona. He occasionally gives public speeches and takes minor acting gigs, but he keeps a low profile. While the headlines have faded, his impact hasn’t.

He’s still deeply committed to trans rights and continues to advocate for reproductive freedom. He’s become a symbol of resilience and courage—not because he wanted the spotlight, but because he refused to be silent.

Why Thomas Beatie’s Story Still Matters

It’s easy to forget how big of a deal Thomas’s story was when it first broke. But the truth is, it still matters. It challenged society’s views on gender, parenting, and identity. It forced people to face the complexity of human experience, even if it made them uncomfortable.

His decision to carry children wasn’t just personal—it was political. It shattered the idea that gender defines parenting roles and helped pave the way for greater understanding and inclusion.

And most importantly, he proved that being a good parent has nothing to do with what’s between your legs and everything to do with what’s in your heart.

Conclusion: Thomas Beatie’s Legacy is More Than a Headline

Sixteen years after becoming the world’s first pregnant man, Thomas Beatie is still redefining what it means to live authentically. He’s a father, a husband, a trailblazer, and a quiet force for change. While the world has moved on to new stories, Thomas’s journey remains one of the most powerful examples of love, identity, and bravery.

His legacy isn’t just about being the first—it’s about never backing down from who you truly are.