Using someone’s preferred name and pronouns is more than just politeness—it’s one of the simplest yet most profound ways to show respect. In healthcare, however, traditional gender expectations often overpower personal identity. That was the reality for Bennett Kaspar-Williams, a transgender man who gave birth to his son Hudson in 2020. Despite being open about his identity, he was constantly misgendered as “mother” during his C-section, a moment that should have been filled with joy instead of frustration.
Video: Trans Man Who Gave Birth To A Son Criticizes Medical Staff For Misgendering By Calling Them A Mother
A Journey Toward Authenticity
Kaspar-Williams first recognized he was transgender in 2011 and began his transition in 2014. He underwent top surgery but chose not to pursue bottom surgery, which meant he could still carry a child. When he and his partner decided to grow their family, the choice brought them immense happiness. Yet, the misgendering he experienced during pregnancy underscored how deeply society clings to outdated beliefs—that only women give birth. Even when medical records showed his male identity, those assumptions cut deep.
Separating Gender from Childbirth
For Bennett, the most difficult part of the experience wasn’t pregnancy itself, but the language forced upon him. Being called “mother” created dysphoria, a disconnect between who he truly is and the label society imposed. To him, pregnancy was a physical process, not a definition of his gender. That perspective allowed him to embrace fatherhood on his own terms. His message is simple but powerful: not all women give birth, and not everyone who gives birth is a woman.
Another Inspiring Story: Freddy McConnell
Bennett’s story isn’t isolated. Freddy McConnell, another transgender man, gave birth in 2019 and shared his experience in a widely recognized documentary. Transitioning had given him the freedom to live authentically, and when he chose to have a child, it wasn’t about gender—it was about pragmatism. He used his body’s capabilities to fulfill his dream of parenthood. Unlike Bennett, McConnell found his medical team supportive, making his childbirth experience empowering and affirming.
Redefining What It Means to Be a Father
Both Bennett and Freddy now proudly raise their children, showing the world that fatherhood isn’t defined by rigid traditions. Bennett embraces being called “dad,” stating, “Nothing feels stronger than being able to say I’m a dad who created my own child.” He looks forward to the day Hudson understands this unique truth, believing it will help normalize diverse family structures. Freddy shares that same pride, proving that love, not labels, is the true foundation of parenthood.
Challenging Outdated Norms
These men’s stories are more than personal—they’re acts of social change. By sharing their journeys openly, they shine a light on how outdated and restrictive gender roles in parenthood can be. Their voices push society toward recognizing that family is not about fitting into molds, but about love, commitment, and responsibility. Carrying a child doesn’t make them less of fathers—it makes their journeys even more extraordinary.
The stories of Bennett Kaspar-Williams and Freddy McConnell remind us that respect starts with language. Parenthood is about nurturing, not about conforming to outdated expectations. As they raise their children with pride, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of what it means to be a parent. The future of family isn’t about fitting into rigid boxes—it’s about love in its truest form.
