After years of dreaming about it, thinking about it, talking about it, my boyfriend and I are ready to get going on building our family! The problem is, we have no idea how to get rolling how do we get started? What's the first step? Help!

Congratulations on deciding you're ready to go! It can definitely feel overwhelming trying to puzzle out all the options (though we're glad we have them!). During the relatively short history of LGBT people deliberately and opening creating families, most gay-identified men have chosen adoption as their pathway to parenthood. More recently, surrogacy, though expensive, has become an increasingly popular option. I'd suggest you begin by participating in some of our Center Kids support groups for people planning parenthood. They meet here at the Center in the evenings. There's no need to pre-register just show up! They are all facilitated by wonderful, experienced volunteer peer facilitators, and they are great opportunities both to hear "experts," and to hear others share their stories and the information they've gathered. Wannabe Dads and Moms (for those interested in adoption), Planning Biological Parenthood for Men (for guys considering surrogacy), and/or Parenting Partnerships (a co-ed group for folks interested in exploring cooperative parenting) might be right for you. You can see details about the groups, including meeting times, at www.gaycenter.org/families/groupsevents. I hope you'll jump in!

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