A First Line of Defense

A Transgender Man Navigates Fertility and the Medical System Dico shares his experience as a transgender man in a relationship with a non-binary partner seeking fertility care in New York City. “I have been scared of getting pregnant for the longest time,” says Dico, who leads us through the difficulties of navigating a medical system that is inherently designed for cis, white, heteronormative people. Dico's experiences with doctors at fertility clinics have been unpleasant and emotionally painful: ‘‘I walked out of there just feeling so embarrassed and humiliated and I thought maybe I couldn't do this after all, and like maybe there wasn't a space for me to do this.” After hearing about Funny Feelings Podcast, Dico was inspired to share his story, because he didn’t know any trans couples going through the same experience and there is very little information available. Maria and Liza find out about how the health system needs to change for a gender-inclusive holistic fertility experience. Joining in the studio is his midwife Shira Moss, who specializes in fertility treatment for queer couples and single people. She, together with Liza and Maria, show how education, nutrition, and community are all pillars of health.