As a same-sex couple, Sean and his husband knew that building their family wouldn’t be straightforward—but they were determined to explore every possible path to parenthood. At first, they weren’t sure what was right for them, so they looked into both adoption and IVF/surrogacy. It was a generous and unexpected offer from within their own family that ultimately shaped their journey: Sean’s sister volunteered to be their egg donor without hesitation.
“The idea that we could have a child with a biological connection to both of us was something we never thought possible,” they shared. “It was one of the most meaningful aspects of our journey and made our decision to move forward with IVF and surrogacy clear.”
Once they committed to that path, they began the intricate process of embryo creation and matched with a gestational carrier through their surrogacy agency. The embryo creation process was stressful, but they were fortunate to end up with three healthy embryos. Their very first transfer was successful—and after the longest nine months of their lives, they welcomed their son Jaxon into the world on April 25, 2025.
GWK Academy played a pivotal role in helping them get there. “GWK was an absolute game-changer for us,” they said. “They provided invaluable guidance and education on our potential paths to parenthood.” From the early decision-making process to choosing providers, GWK helped make an otherwise overwhelming process feel approachable and exciting. The couple was ultimately connected with San Diego Fertility Center (SDFC) for their fertility care, The Baby Lawyers for legal services, and Surrogate Alternatives, Inc. (SAI) as their surrogacy agency.
“Nothing can truly prepare you for that moment,” they said of holding Jaxon for the first time. “Seeing him, touching his tiny fingers, and knowing that we were officially dads—it was beyond words. To be honest, we’re not sure who cried more at the hospital, Jaxon or us.”
For other LGBTQ+ people considering this path, Sean and his husband want them to know: “Surrogacy is not a simple journey—it requires patience, resilience, and a strong support system. But it’s absolutely worth it. Surround yourself with people who understand your dreams and support you every step of the way.”
They add: “Becoming parents is the most incredible thing we’ve ever experienced. We are endlessly grateful to everyone who made this dream possible. We hope that by sharing our journey, future LGBTQ parents will feel inspired, supported, and empowered to pursue their own dreams of building a family. If we can do it, so can you.”
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a parent through surrogacy and IVF, join GWK Academy for and get access to expert resources specifically for LGBTQ+ folk.
