As parents (or parents-to-be), you may know that it is not always easy to find books, TV shows, and movies that represent diverse families. In its annual Where We Are on TV report last year, GLAAD announced that representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media was at an all-time high, but that it was still only at 11.9%. While we continue to push for more inclusive character representation on our screens, it’s also important to showcase families of all shapes, sizes, and colors early in our children's lives. We’ve pulled together a list of our favorite LGBTQ+ children’s books featuring Black characters for you and your child to discover together.

When building a family as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, gestational carriers and known donors don't just help you get there, they become part of the family, too. So when the holidays come around, it's only right to want to give them a gift that is just as special as they are. But what could possibly match the perfect gift they're giving you?

Do you have a LGBTQ+ friend who's expecting? Are you and your partner starting to think about building a family? Are you a new parent and don't have much time to shop? Here at Gay Parents To Be, we have lots of experience celebrating new parents and the holidays, and we're here to share some of our favorite gift ideas with you!

It’s official: the holiday season has finally crept up on us. If you’re like us, still frantically shopping for each name on your Nice List - you came to the right place! While it’s easy to buy toys for each tot on your list, it can sometimes be challenging to find the perfect present that's tailored to celebrate and honor children in LGBTQ+ families.

Megan and Nicole dreamt of becoming mothers one day, but nothing could have prepared them for how their journey to parenthood unfolded. From initial discussions with an OB/GYN to working with a fertility clinic, exploring their family-building options, a surprising pregnancy, and welcoming their little ones, they took one step at a time and kept moving forward. This is their story, told in Megan's own words. Enjoy!

After four long years, Bret and Stephen's difficult surrogacy journey finally came to an end with the birth of their first child. Read on to hear about everything that happened on their challenging path to parenthood, what they learned about LGBTQ+ family building, and what's next for their little family of three!

In the world of LGBTQ+ family building, there are no accidents. The decision to become a parent is an intentional act, one that requires a high level of commitment and patience. Hopeful moms Emily and Staci know that better than most. In this blog, they share their story of loss, perseverance, and hope as they continue navigating their tumultuous path to parenthood.

Happy World Embryologist Day! We’re celebrating the fascinating, important work that our embryologists must do every single day in order to make things like IVF and cryopreservation possible. Keep reading to learn more about IVF and embryology! Skip to a section: LGBTQ+ Parents-to-Be & Fertility Treatment What do embryologists do? My embryo was abnormal…why did you still freeze it? How do you grade embryos and what does the grade mean? How long does it take to transfer in samples from another facility? How long do cryopreserved embryos last? If you used frozen sperm for my IUI/IVF procedure, why am I still receiving a storage bill? Honoring Our Embryologists More Family-Building Resources

Choosing to pursue surrogacy as your path to parenthood is a beautiful, yet complex decision. Dads Adeel and Anthony share the steps they took to match with the perfect surrogate, how they chose their fertility clinic, their advice to other LGBTQ+ parents-to-be, and what it's like to become first-time fathers to not just one, but two babies!

When hopeful LGBTQ+ moms-to-be decide they are ready to grow their family, the first step is often finding a fertility clinic that can help them make their dreams come true. For moms Taylor and Mary Kate, the journey to bringing home their first daughter was challenging, eventually leading them from IUI to IVF. This is their story.

It's easy for hopeful gay dads-to-be to feel overwhelmed or confused about where to look for resources to support their unique journey to parenthood. This comprehensive guide serves as a great starting place for men having babies via surrogacy! Keep on reading to explore financial assistance, organizations, books, peer support groups and more. Skip to a specific section: How Does Surrogacy Work? Financial Assistance for Men Having Babies Grants for LGBTQ+ Parents-to-Be Organizations That Support Gay Dads-to-Be The Importance of Community 4 Ways to Connect with Other Dads-to-Be Surrogacy FAQs More Resources for Men Having Babies Read Surrogacy Stories Learn More About Surrogacy

Although the COVID-19 pandemic altered LGBTQ+ moms Yessenia and Millie's wedding and family-building plans, they still found a way to make their dreams of having a baby come true. Read all about their IVF journey and the advice they offer to other LGBTQ+ parents-to-be in this heartwarming story.