Intentional Parenting, Donor Decisions, and Fighting for LGBTQ+ Families with Darra Gordon

Darra Gordon, the new CEO of Family Equality, joins host Jaimie to share her wild, beautiful, and intentional journey to queer parenthood—while simultaneously leading in LGBTQ+ advocacy. In a conversation filled with laughs, wisdom, and the occasional tween meltdown tangent, Dara opens up about trying to conceive at the same time as her wife, choosing donors (yes, plural), navigating unexpected challenges, and raising three incredible kids—including a nonbinary teen—in a world that’s not always built for queer families. Plus, they discuss why Family Equality’s work matters more than ever in our current political climate.

🎙️ "We were dating... and trying to get pregnant at the same time." — Darra Gordon

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!

Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code QUEERFAM25 at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!

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🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways

• Trying to conceive at the same time as your partner (!)
• Choosing sperm donors before even meeting each other
• Donor egg decisions and honoring cultural heritage
• The emotional layers of queer fertility journeys
• Raising a nonbinary teen with pride and purpose
• Why queer families need legal protections—and how Family Equality is fighting for them

🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Darra Gordon (she/her) is the newly appointed CEO of Family Equality, a national organization dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ families. A lifelong nonprofit leader and social justice advocate, Dara brings decades of experience from roles at GLAAD and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, where she led organizational growth and transformation. Outside of her powerhouse advocacy work, Dara is a proud queer mom of three—including a nonbinary teen—and is deeply committed to building a world where all families are seen, supported, and protected. Her work and her parenting are both rooted in intention, visibility, and love.

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned

• Family Equality – Learn more about the organization Dara leads and their critical work advocating for LGBTQ+ families through education, policy, and legal support.
• California Cryobank – Thinking about building your family with donor sperm? Use code QUEERFAM25 for a free Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog.
• Second-Parent Adoption & Parentage Resources – Not sure what legal protections your family needs? Family Equality’s guide to parentage and adoption laws can help.
• Personal Best – Darra’s queer awakening movie recommendation! A 1982 cult classic about two women athletes falling in love.
• Need support on your queer family-building journey? Browse The Queer Family Podcast’s archive for dozens of real stories from folks who’ve been there.