Diane and Fernando announce their pregnancy and excitement for growing their family.
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LGBT activist Diane Rodriguez and her boyfriend Fernando Machado are an Ecuadorian couple who are set to become South America’s first-known transgender parents. They recently announced their pregnancy which has received much support for the couple.
Rodriguez wrote in a Facebook post: “I’m going to be a mum, my boyfriend Fernando Machado is pregnant with me. After having spoken with my family, people who are very close to my life and social environment, I wish to make public one of the news that I think is the most important in my life and that of my partner, Fernando Machado.”
“We live as man and woman. I’m a transfeminine woman and Fernando is a transmasculine man. The process to get here was complex for each of us. Knowing it’s our right, we decided to add another member to our family. ”
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She added that she understood that the announcement would receive comments in favor and against the happy news, however, she believes the news is important for society to change and is something wonderful for her and her boyfriend to celebrate: “But as an activist and transsexual woman committed to a process of profound social transformation , I believe that public opinion must know this wonderful news : Fernando Machado and Diane Rodriguez will be mom and dad.”
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You may remember Rodriguez who was the first transgender person to run for Congress in Ecuador. She has always been an advocate for trans rights across South America.
The soon-to-be parents has the support of Machado’s parents and family who have always supported their son’s trans identity.
Machado, who is carrying their child, has already reported having nausea, but that doesn’t seem to stop the couple from sharing their happiness with sonograms and with celebrations such as a “Fetus Fest,” a baby shower:
The couple talked to local media about their decision to create a family together:
“This was the wish of both of us and there was nothing biological or legal to stop us, so we decided to do it,” Rodriguez said.
“We live as man and woman. I’m a transfeminine woman and Fernando is a transmasculine man. The process to get here was complex for each of us. Knowing it’s our right, we decided to add another member to our family. ”
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Rodriguez also shared a post entitled, “Diverse Families,” where she explained the beauty of all types of families.
“There are thousands of ways of love,” she wrote.
“We are a diverse family. Ecuador and Latin America must begin to understand that the traditional family, is that. A tradition, which cannot be adjusted to the reality.”
By Alex Temblador
This article was previously published on The Next Family. Read the original article.
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Photo: Getty Images