PHOENIX — Thomas Beatie was known as "The Pregnant Man” when his story captured headlines around the world in 2008.
Beatie was born a woman, had a double mastectomy and kept his female reproductive organs. Now, 11 years later, we caught up with him in his Phoenix home to see what life is like and what has happened since then.
“In 2008, when my story broke, it was such a whirlwind, it was such a crazy time. I never thought in my wildest dreams that my story would be viral and I would be publicly discussing the process of getting pregnant and giving birth and starting a family, but in hindsight, it was a great thing because it benefited society,” Beatie said.
Beatie is now a father of four children. With help from a sperm donor, he gave birth to 3 children; Susan is now 10 years old, Austin is 9, and Jensen is 8.
“I am so happy. I am such a happy person. I’ve got the life I’ve always wanted. I’m a father to four beautiful children and I love my wife to death. It’s great, I’m living the American dream. I’ve got a job I love. I’ve got a home I love. Everything’s wonderful,” beamed Beatie.
But he’s been through a lot to get to where he is today.
He got a divorce after nine years of marriage to his first wife Nancy.
Beatie wrote a book, “Labor of Love.” And he also appeared in a reality show in France as the only American, landing in second place.
Looking back, Beatie has learned a lot from his experiences. Some of his biggest challenges were the legal battles for basic rights and lack of support from the LGBT community.
But the hardest lesson learned came from his personal circle.
“The difficulty I went through with family and friends through this process and really finding out more about who is really your friend and who you consider family. Not always your biological family is your family. You make the family that you keep,” realized Beatie.
The 45-year-old is now a stockbroker and does public speaking engagements, many of them in Europe.
He married the new love of his life nearly three years ago, Amber, who delivered his fourth child, Jackson, last April.
When asked about the best part of being a father, Beatie said, “I feel like I found my purpose in life. And there’s so much joy, so much joy.”
His wife Amber is very open about their relationship, realizing how unique it is.
“I know and I’m aware that it is different. So I’m sensitive to people and I want them to ask me questions, so I’m always very open when they do. I let them know, 'Ask as many questions as you want,'” she said.
Asked if Beatie would change anything, he said, “I would not change a single thing that I’ve gone through. Even though I’ve been through hideous things very difficult obstacles. I feel like I’m a better person because of it today. And I feel like it’s also benefited people like me in general just to see differences in the world and how other people live their lives and that we’re all just the same.”
In the future, Beatie wants to continue spreading awareness about the transgender community with public speaking, engage in diversity training, write a second book and get into acting.
Overall, Beatie is most proud of his family.
“Basic bottom line, I love my wife. I love my children,” he said.