Alon Rivel joins Jaimie for a brutally honest, funny, and heartfelt conversation about what it really takes—emotionally, financially, and spiritually—to build a queer family through surrogacy. From his surrogate’s iconic one-liners (“I’m not keeping it”) to his reflection that queer parents are architects of love, Alon reminds us what intentional parenthood looks like.🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways<ul><li>The intentionality of queer family building—“We don’t choose to be gay, but we choose to have families.”</li><li>Growing up gay in a Jewish-Israeli household in New York, finding safety through love and community.</li><li>The surrogacy process from start to finish, including choosing an egg donor, working with Circle Surrogacy, and navigating the language (and insurance nightmares) that still exclude LGBTQ&#43; parents.</li><li>Building lifelong relationships with both their surrogate and egg donor—relationships that have become extended family.</li><li>Raising their son with full transparency about his origin story, teaching body honesty, and dismantling shame from day one.</li><li>The cost, the fight for recognition (“Say mom again!”), and the joy of finally holding their son.</li></ul>🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈<ul><li>Alon Rivel (he/him) is a gay dad and husband. Alon and his husband built their family through surrogacy after a decade-long relationship, a pandemic pivot, and a $220K price tag—and they’re raising their son surrounded by love, transparency, and the chosen family who helped bring him into the world.</li></ul>🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor <a href="https://www.cryobank.com/search/" rel="nofollow">California Cryobank</a>!If you’re listening to this show, there’s a good chance you’re building your family the queer way — and might need a little help in the sperm department. 🩵 Use code QUEERFAM25 at <a href="https://cryobank.com/" rel="nofollow">cryobank.com</a> for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!🏳️‍🌈<a href="https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/" rel="nofollow"> Book with GWK&#39;s Spring Break Cruise Vacation!</a> Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA&#43; families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ <a href="https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/" rel="nofollow">https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/</a>🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned<ul><li><a href="https://www.feastandfettle.com/" rel="nofollow">Feast & Fettle</a> – Meal delivery for families, by families.</li><li><a href="https://www.aliforneycenter.org/" rel="nofollow">The Ali Forney Center</a> – Supporting LGBTQ&#43; youth.</li><li><a href="https://www.circlesurrogacy.com/" rel="nofollow">Circle Surrogacy</a> – Alon’s surrogacy agency.</li><li><a href="https://cryobank.com/" rel="nofollow">California Cryobank</a> – Use code QUEERFAM25.</li></ul>🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email <a href="mailto:thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com</a>🎧 Loved this episode?Support The Queer Family Podcast on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/thequeerfamilypodcast" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a> for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:🔗 <a href="https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d2c61ac1-cfc5-477f-a545-f1ad21f88eec/exclusive-content" rel="nofollow">redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content</a>🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?Drop a comment, DM us, or email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com—we love hearing your stories!🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!Find us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/" rel="nofollow">IG</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast?_r=1&_t=ZP-8v7M6BUBw2I" rel="nofollow">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/queerfampod.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">Bluesky</a>, & <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>🏳️‍🌈 Order the <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/if-these-ovaries-could-talk-the-things-we-ve-learned-about-making-an-lgbtq-family-jaimie-kelton/14848704?ean=9780999294390&next=t" rel="nofollow">If These Ovaries Could Talk book </a>🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch <a href="https://queerfampodmerchstore.dashery.com/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation! Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

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