This week on Proud Conception, we sit down with Oli—a non-binary solo parent to a spirited two-and-a-half-year-old, Francis. Oli’s conception journey has a bit of everything: fertility clinics, two different clinic donors, IUI and IVF, and finally, success through a low-tech at-home insemination with a known donor met through a mutual friend.

Alongside the logistics of conceiving, Oli navigated perceptions around being a solo parent by choice and their identity as a non-binary birthing parent. And now, as a parent to a toddler, Oli shares openly about beginning testosterone and their gender transition journey.

Oli is thoughtful, wise, funny, and their story is deeply moving; a true taonga. I am so genuinely honoured they chose to share it with me and you all.

Resources:

• Rainbow Families Aotearoa Facebook group

• Dr. Heather Johnston of @cradlednz

• The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa’s free counselling sessions for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Find out more at www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/get/get-counselling

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