A trans couple from Michigan are now the biological parents of a baby girl — a dream they never imagined would come true.
Liam Johnson, 20, and Racquelle Trammell, 30, halted their gender transformations so they could give birth to their daughter naturally. Aspen, 1, was born in March of last year.
Trammell, who was born male but identifies as female, stopped taking estrogen so he could fertilize Johnson’s eggs. Johnson, who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male, was still able to become pregnant and carry the child.
“It was a bitter sweet experience watching Liam. I knew he wasn’t happy with himself but that he was making the sacrifice for a great goal that we both were trying to achieve. I could relate because I had to stop taking my hormones but obviously Liam went through the most,” Trammell told Barcroft.
Liam, who felt male from the age of 6, was grateful he could have the baby but struggled with the physical symptoms of pregnancy.
Trammell, who identified as a girl ever since she was kindergarten, also suffered during the 9 months. She yearned to know what Liam felt and tried to experience the birth vicariously.
“I can’t lie. I got really jealous of him. We had lots of conversations about what the all the kicks and flutters felt like,” she said.
Trammell and Johnson are excited to continue their transition, but fear for the future of their family. The couple, who met in 2011, initially bonded over the transphobia and hate they both endured. Sadly, ignorance is something they both grapple with every day.
“It’s better now but people get uncomfortable about our situation and judge. When Aspen was born the woman getting all our insurance information kept asking our names and checking our IDs,” Trammell said.
“She didn’t get it and kept repeating, ‘this is so interesting…’ with a face of disgust. You can’t escape the prejudice,” Trammell added.
Now the parents have a new fear — the Trump administration.
In February, Trump lifted federal guidelines allowing transgender students to use public school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity.
“When it comes to the next four years, I worry about what’s going to happen. I hope someone teaches President Trump about a lot of things. We’ve always been a country that’s embraced diversity, but to put restrictions on children. I’m scared about what the future holds for trans gender children and also for me and my family,” said Trammell.
“The future for us as a family would be to raise our children the best that we can. Make Aspen a great person,” Johnson chimed in.
