This panel highlights the diverse experiences of trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people who have navigated pregnancy and family building. Through stories and discussion with contributors J. F. Gutfreund, S. Aakash Kishore, and Simon Knaphus, participants will explore themes of reproductive care, community support, and the many ways queer and trans families are created and sustained. The format will include a reading from the groundbreaking anthology Seahorses (anthology), an American Library Association Stonewall Book Award Honor title, followed by Q&A.
About the Panelists:
J.F. Gutfreund (they/them) is a white non-binary trans midwife born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their life work has emerged at the intersections of reproductive justice, healing work, and antiracism practice. They live in Tiwa and Tewa country and have been influenced and mentored immeasurably by the communities of northern New Mexico, offering them a place to learn, collaborate, and grow over the past eighteen years. They are raising two children with a beloved community, practicing their liberation politics through the relentless joy and exhaustion of parenting.
Dr. S. Aakash Kishore (they/he) is a clinical psychologist and proud gestational parent. They navigate themes of QTBIPOC joy, grief, and ritual in their clinical practice, daily life, and written work.
Simon Knaphus (he/him) is a trans dad and Social Security disability attorney. His publications include essays in Rad Dad: Dispatches from the Frontiers of Fatherhood and Rad Families: A Celebration. Simon also consulted for the Lunasea Scout Guide for Breastfeeding Families and Harm Reduction Hacks. He is a 2025 Seattle Public Library Writers’ Room Resident.
This event is free for all. Register Here:
MORE ABOUT PREGNANTTOGETHER:
Hi! I am Marea Goodman, LM, CPM (they/them), a licensed midwife, published author, and parent. I have over thirteen years of experience working with folks who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, and am also the founder of PregnantTogether— because I’m deeply passionate about supporting queer folks and solo parents through the whole process of growing their families, and building community in the process.
Note: your first two weeks of membership to our PregnantTogether community is FREE and only $20/mo thereafter with no commitment. This and all future events are always free for community members. In the community you can connect with other pregnant people or folks trying to conceive, receive advice for your virtual midwife (me!) and attend all PregnantTogether events and workshops like this one for free! You’ll also get access to TONS of recorded resources that will make this journey less overwhelming. The community is a nurturing, resourceful, and safe place for queer folks, solo parents, and anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong in the dominant narrative of what “family” should be.
If you'd like to join the community and receive FREE access to this and all future events, head to community.pregnanttogether.com and sign up. Don't purchase a ticket here! Joining the community gets you free access.