Love, Transition & Parenthood with Jake and Hannah Graf

Jaimie and special co-host José Rolón (@nycgaydad) sit down with married couple Jake and Hannah Graf — authors, advocates, and parents of two — to talk about love, transition, intentional family building, and the beautiful chaos of parenting.Jake shares why he chose to pause testosterone and create embryos years before meeting Hannah, while Hannah opens up about transitioning while serving in the British Army and believing she’d never experience love or parenthood. Together, they talk about finding each other, navigating surrogacy as a trans couple, becoming parents during the height of the COVID lockdowns, and the powerful realization that biology is only one small piece of what makes a family.They also discuss:trans fertility and preserving options for future parenthoodwhy queer families are often forced to have “the big conversations” earlythe emotional realities of non-biological parenthoodparenting through fear, uncertainty, and a global pandemicthe importance of representation and telling joyful trans family storiestheir new children’s book, The Silly Frilly DressThis conversation is funny, emotional, deeply affirming, and a reminder that queer families don’t just exist — we thrive.🏳️‍🌈 Key TakeawaysQueer family building requires extraordinary intentionalityFertility preservation can create future possibilities for trans peopleNon-biological parenthood is every bit as real and powerfulSurrogates are truly life-changing partners in queer family creationThe “instant bond” narrative around parenthood can be harmfulRepresentation matters — especially joyful trans family representationKids thrive when they’re allowed to express themselves authentically🏳️‍🌈 About the guest(s)Jake Graf is a filmmaker, writer, actor, and director based in London. A longtime advocate for trans visibility and LGBTQ+ families, Jake has worked extensively in film and television and is passionate about telling authentic queer stories.Hannah Graf is a former British Army officer, public speaker, and advocate for trans inclusion. After becoming one of the first openly trans officers in the British Army, Hannah has used her platform to champion visibility, inclusion, and family representation.Together, Jake and Hannah are parents to two daughters and co-authors of the children’s book The Silly Frilly Dress, a story about self-expression, identity, and allowing kids to be exactly who they are.🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsorsCalifornia Cryobank Use code QUEERFAM26 for a free level 3 subscription to their donor catalogue!🏳️‍🌈 Resources MentionedHannah on InstagramJake on InstagramOrder The Silly Frilly Dress in the USOrder The Silly Frilly Dress in the UK🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [email protected]🎧 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 comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 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 — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy