In today's world, families come in many beautiful forms. This is the story of three people who redefined what it means to build a family - with love, intentionk, and a shared dream.

A Dream of Parenthood, A Unique Journey

For Lorna Ciccone, Melissa Roumanis, and Dennis Kwan, the dream of parenthood was clear—but the path to making it a reality was anything but traditional. Thanks to a modern approach to family-building and a shared vision, these three individuals created a beautiful and loving home for their daughter, Ajla.

Lorna and Melissa, a married couple from British Columbia, always envisioned raising a child together. Meanwhile, Dennis, a single gay man and professional photographer, longed to be a father but knew a conventional parenting setup didn’t fit his lifestyle. Their paths crossed on a Facebook page designed to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with sperm donors, and from their very first conversation, they knew they had something special.

A Modern Family Comes Together

Dennis wasn’t looking to be just a donor—he wanted to be involved in his child’s life. He made it clear from the start that he wanted to be more than just a biological contributor, and Lorna and Melissa welcomed this idea wholeheartedly.

Their journey to conception wasn’t without its challenges.

The trio first attempted at-home insemination, but after nine months with no success, they turned to intrauterine insemination (IUI). Finally, Lorna became pregnant—an especially emotional milestone given her struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

On September 25, 2024, baby Ajla was born, surrounded by love from all three parents. Dennis even flew in to meet his daughter as soon as he heard she was arriving early.

Redefining Parenthood

From the beginning, Lorna and Melissa made it clear that Dennis would always have a role in their child’s life—not just as a donor, but as a dad. Together, they carefully navigated decisions like who would be listed on the birth certificate (both moms) and what their daughter would call Dennis (“dad” felt right for everyone).

Their family dynamic embraces fluidity and flexibility, prioritizing love and connection over rigid definitions. They plan to spend holidays, birthdays, and special occasions together, ensuring Ajla grows up with strong bonds to all her parents.

Building Community and Inspiring Others

Inspired by his experience, Dennis is launching Gayby, an innovative matchmaking service that connects LGBTQ+ couples and single women with gay sperm donors.

His goal? To normalize and facilitate alternative paths to parenthood for other families like theirs. “I would just love to be able to educate and inspire other gay men to pursue this alternative and amazing path to parenthood,” Dennis shares.

Lorna and Melissa echo this sentiment, hoping their story encourages others to create families that feel right for them—regardless of societal norms. “You don’t have to be limited by the systems in place or the belief systems that you were raised with,” Lorna says. “You really can create whatever it is you want.”

How Donor Born Can Support Families Like Theirs

For those looking to explore alternative paths to parenthood, resources like "Queer Conception: The Complete Fertility Guide for Queer and Trans Parents-to-Be" by Kristin Liam Kali can be invaluable. This book provides practical advice on assisted reproduction, navigating donor relationships, and building a family that works for you.

At Donor Born, we believe in supporting diverse family structures and providing resources for those navigating donor conception. Whether you are seeking a known donor, looking for guidance on co-parenting agreements, or need emotional support, we are here to help.

We offer:

• Educational Resources: Articles, webinars, and expert interviews on donor conception and co-parenting.
• Community Support: A safe space to connect with others on similar journeys.
• Legal and Ethical Guidance: Information on rights, responsibilities, and best practices for known donor arrangements.

If you or someone you know is considering a donor-conceived family, sign up with donor.com for the newletter, to explore resources and join a community that understands and supports your journey.

A Message of Hope and Possibility

As they settle into life as new parents, Lorna, Melissa, and Dennis are grateful for the unique bond they share and the love that surrounds baby Ajla. Their story is a testament to the power of intentional family-building and the beauty of embracing new possibilities in parenthood.

For those considering a similar path, their advice is simple: Find your people, trust the process, and build the family that feels right for you

If you're exploring donor conception or alternative family structures, join our community at Donor Born for support, resources, and real - life stories.