A couple’s deeply personal path to parenthood has sparked intense debate online after they shared photos of a transgender man giving birth. While many people praised their honesty, others reacted with confusion or criticism.
The images, which quickly spread across social media, show a transgender man named Syven in labor and holding the baby after delivery.
His wife, Tori, proudly posted the photos, wanting to celebrate their family’s unique story. But the reactions were far from universal.
For the couple, sharing their journey was about visibility and challenging assumptions. According to The Daily Mail, Syven transitioned years earlier but carried both of their children after pausing hormone therapy. Throughout the pregnancy, Tori documented everything, stressing that giving birth does not dictate someone’s gender.
The couple hoped the photos would showcase the strength of their relationship — and remind people that pregnancy doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Many applauded their bravery, acknowledging the difficult realities transgender parents often face. Supporters described the pictures as a powerful example of love, family, and acceptance.
But not all responses were supportive. Some online commenters expressed discomfort, saying the images clashed with their traditional ideas about gender and pregnancy. Others made hurtful remarks, refusing to respect that the person giving birth is a man.
Even in public, reactions weren’t always kind. While some people congratulated Syven, others “smirked and giggled,” Tori shared, just because they saw a man with a pregnant belly.
“The negative comments were things like, ‘Why are you having a kid if you’re supposed to be a man?’ or ‘Men don’t have babies,’” Syven told The Daily Mail.
Although he said being pregnant felt “perfect” to him, he admitted that the judgment was draining, especially in medical settings. “You’re a pregnant man sitting around a group of women, and they’re looking at you like, ‘No way,’ or ‘Why?’ or even, ‘Are you faking this?’” he said. “It gets uncomfortable, because you don’t want to hide your pregnancy.”
As expected, criticism surfaced — but so did an outpouring of support. Many people defended the family, calling for empathy and respect. LGBTQ+ advocates reminded others that gender identity and biological functions are not the same, and that transgender men giving birth is not new.
This story highlights ongoing changes in how society views gender and family structures. Some people struggle with nontraditional narratives, while others believe stories like this push us toward greater acceptance.
Despite the backlash, the couple is focused on raising their children and celebrating their life together. Their journey continues to inspire conversations about identity, parenthood, and basic respect for individual experiences. As society evolves, stories like theirs challenge old assumptions and encourage deeper reflection about love, family, and the many ways people build their lives.
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