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 TakeawaysThe intentionality of queer family building—“We don’t choose to be gay, but we choose to have families.”Growing up gay in a Jewish-Israeli household in New York, finding safety through love and community.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+ parents.Building lifelong relationships with both their surrogate and egg donor—relationships that have become extended family.Raising their son with full transparency about his origin story, teaching body honesty, and dismantling shame from day one.The cost, the fight for recognition (“Say mom again!”), and the joy of finally holding their son.🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈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.🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!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 cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/🏳️‍🌈 Resources MentionedFeast & Fettle – Meal delivery for families, by families.The Ali Forney Center – Supporting LGBTQ+ youth.Circle Surrogacy – Alon’s surrogacy agency.California Cryobank – Use code QUEERFAM25.🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com🎧 Loved this episode?Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon 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:🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?Drop a commen