About
Founded in May 2024, the LGBTQ Fertility Fund (LFF) was established by Alexis G. Williams. As a Black, queer woman with PCOS whose life partner is transgender, Alexis experienced firsthand the challenges and anxieties surrounding family building within the LGBTQ community. The questions like, “When will you two have a baby?” often carried a heavy-weight, given the complexities of their eventual fertility journey. Historically, the LGBTQ community has faced significant barriers to family building. Just 20 or 30 years ago, there were few options available, both legally and medically, for LGBTQ individuals to become parents. Public support was limited, and resources were scarce, making the dream of parenthood seem out of reach for many. Even with the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide with the Marriage Equality Act of 2015, the journey remained fraught with obstacles.
The anxiety behind the cost, accessibility, and acceptance of trans birth givers was tremendous for Alexis and her partner. They quickly realized the lack of resources for fertility support, especially those specific to the LGBTQ community. This gap in support didn't sit well with Alexis. How could the LGBTQ community move forward without direct support for those who wanted to start families? Thus, the LGBTQ Fertility Fund was born. With an idea and the courage to make a difference, Alexis launched LFF to provide much-needed support and resources to LGBTQ individuals and couples on their family-building journeys.
Since the legalization of same-sex marriage, expectations around family building in the LGBTQ community have evolved rapidly. Recent research by Family Equality found that 63% of LGBTQ millennials are considering expanding their families in the coming years. This shift is significant, as it shows a growing trend towards family building within the LGBTQ community, with many opting for assisted reproductive technology or foster care and adoption. For LGBTQ people, the process of becoming a parent can be more complex and challenging than for non-LGBTQ people. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) services, such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, reciprocal in vitro fertilization, gestational and traditional surrogacy, and fertility preservation, provide vital pathways for LGBTQ individuals and couples to build their families. These services often involve third-party reproduction, such as donor eggs or sperm and gestational carriers, to help make parenthood possible. The LGBTQ Fertility Fund is committed to supporting these efforts by covering the associated costs and ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of building a loving family.
-
[Updated 05. 2024]
Our Mission
The LGBTQ Fertility Fund, a Black and Queer-led organization, is dedicated to alleviating financial disparities for LGBTQ individuals and couples on their journey to expand their families. We support fertility preservation for transgender individuals and cover costs associated with artificial insemination, adoption, surrogacy, and fertility treatments for the LGBTQ community.
Our Vision
-
Ensure Equity: All LGBTQ individuals and couples will have fair and equal access to fertility resources and support, eliminating disparities and providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
-
Foster Inclusivity: We will create an environment that celebrates diversity and welcomes all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and backgrounds, ensuring our services are accessible and welcoming to everyone.
-
Empower: LGBTQ individuals and couples will be empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family-building options, with the necessary support and resources to achieve their dreams of parenthood.
-
Build Community: We will foster a sense of belonging and support within the LGBTQ community, creating spaces where individuals and couples can connect, share experiences, and access mutual support, building a stronger and more inclusive community.