Episode 69: I am the product of ART! Malina Simard-Halm
Malina Simard-Halm was conceived through assisted reproductive technologies. Malina is part of a family of five with two dads and two brothers also conceived through assisted reproductive technologies. One of the first children born to two gay fathers through assisted reproduction, she has been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ families. For the past three years, Malina has served as a member of the Board of Directors of COLAGE and also sits on the board of Family Equality, two organizations dedicated to LGBTQ equality and justice. Malina graduated from Yale College with a degree in Ethics, Politics and Economics and just received her Masters from Cambridge University in Criminology. She’ll continue to study the legal contours of inequity in law school. Malina lives with her fathers and two little brothers, Harley and Luc, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Listen to Malina as she discusses with Ellen and Jenn:
• When she first realized that her family dynamic was different than other families.
• Her first experiences with homophobia and discrimination.
• How her fathers started the conversation of her birth and family.
• Her thoughts on the idea that individuals need both a father and a mother.
• Having her first period and having two dads.
• How she dealt with homophobia or discrimination against her family.
• How she handled Mother’s Day in school and growing up.
• How she found a community of similar families and experiences.
• How it has been for her brothers growing up.
• The impact of knowing who is the “biological father” and identity of her egg donor.
• Her relationship with her surrogate and egg donor.
• Her fathers, a doctor and an ART Attorney!
• Her future goals professionally and personally.
• Her message to intended parents.
Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.
Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/
Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/
Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/
Learn more about Colage: https://www.colage.org
Learn more about Growing Generations: https://www.growinggenerations.com/
Listen to Malina as she discusses with Ellen and Jenn:
• When she first realized that her family dynamic was different than other families.
• Her first experiences with homophobia and discrimination.
• How her fathers started the conversation of her birth and family.
• Her thoughts on the idea that individuals need both a father and a mother.
• Having her first period and having two dads.
• How she dealt with homophobia or discrimination against her family.
• How she handled Mother’s Day in school and growing up.
• How she found a community of similar families and experiences.
• How it has been for her brothers growing up.
• The impact of knowing who is the “biological father” and identity of her egg donor.
• Her relationship with her surrogate and egg donor.
• Her fathers, a doctor and an ART Attorney!
• Her future goals professionally and personally.
• Her message to intended parents.
Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.
Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/
Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/
Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/
Learn more about Colage: https://www.colage.org
Learn more about Growing Generations: https://www.growinggenerations.com/
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