Seahorse parents: This incredible photo series features transgender men showing the beauty of their pregnancies

Visibility and representation are important to feel safe and recognised. When you’re pregnant, you carry a child for which you feel pride and protection, but as a visibly pregnant, transgender man, you’re not always safe.

— Ruben (he/him)

I think seahorse parents is about showcasing the differences that exist amongst birthing people. It’s about acknowledging that those differences aren’t inherently bad, but rather, beautiful. Seahorse parents shows that all parents deserve to create families in whatever ways feel right to them.

— Alex (he/him)

Visibility and representation create a sense of community and belonging. When you don’t see yourself in the world it’s hard to feel like you belong.

In terms of birthing as a transgender person, representation looks like using inclusive language and having access to safe resources. Recognising that not all birthing people are moms and using the correct descriptors.

– Alex (he/him)

Visibility plays a crucial role in empowering transgender youth who may be questioning their identities. As a seahorse dad myself I can demonstrate that it is possible to embrace one's gender identity and still fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.

— Jerome (he/him)

In the United States right now new legislation is being introduced that makes it harder and harder for us to claim our spot at the table every day. It is important that we are visible and represented so that all of us know that we are here, we have always been here, and will always be here. This is how we help each other to stay strong in the wake of legislative, physical, and emotional violence.

— Liam (he/him)

Seahorse Parents is about putting our stories out into the world and in doing so highlighting how absolutely normal it is for all of us to be growing our families. This project shows our budding families in the most beautiful light. This is also a moment for our children to look back to and see how beautiful and normal and loved they are.

– Liam (he/him)

I feel like far too often projects involving queer and trans people revolve aroudn trauma. This project is all albout celebrating and embracing our transness, our bodies, and our babies. In addition, participating in this with another pregnant transmasculine person was the most affirming experience I’ve ever had. Men can give birth.

I want the viewer to understand how proud we are of our bodies and how incredible it is that we can carry our children by ourselves. I hope that ‘Seahorse Parents’ can contribute to viewers broadening their horizons and loosen up their perspectives.

— Ruben (he/him)