Embracing Parenthood and LGBTQ+ Family Building with Dr. Mark Leondires

In this insightful episode of Redefining Family, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Mark Leondires.  He is the founder, Medical Director and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. He is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as being a  passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ family building. 

Dr. Leondires reflects on his upbringing in a Greek Orthodox household where he was unaware of the concept of being gay until college. Despite a strong desire to be a dad, it wasn't until his mid-thirties that he realized his relationships with women weren't fulfilling his dream of fatherhood. Currently, 70-80% of Dr. Leondris's patients are LGBTQ+. He shares his family story, being married to a man and having two kids through egg donation and surrogacy.

Before meeting his husband, Dr. Leondires was prepared to become a single dad. In 2010, Dr. Leondris and his husband achieved a pregnancy through egg donation and surrogacy, prompting him to recognize the challenges LGBTQ+ families face and inspiring him to help others. His caregiving nature led to the creation of Gay Parents to Be, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ family planning.

Dr. Leondires and Jonathan share their experiences of choosing egg donors, emphasizing the importance of examining the donor’s family tree. They also discuss the rigorous selection process for surrogates and egg donors, with only a small percentage making it through. The importance of being truthful with children about their origins is highlighted, with a suggestion to practice the story while holding the child. Jonathan shares his journey of informing his mother about his surrogacy plans, highlighting her ongoing struggle to fully accept it.

The discussion touches on the legality of gay surrogacy, noting that the US and Canada are the only countries where it is fully legal. They also talk about handling societal norms, like celebrating Mother’s Day in LGBTQ+ families.