Woman Donates Her Eggs to Gay Couple, Then Surprises Dads with News About Surrogate (Exclusive)

TikTok Friends Play Key Role in Gay Dads’ Journey to Parenthood

Lauren Arrabito, accompanied by her TikTok friend Lindsay Perrin, embarked on a unique and heartwarming journey towards parenthood, with the support of the LGBTQ+ community and social media. Arrabito’s story began when she decided to explore egg donation a few years ago and came across an agency that catered specifically to gay and single fathers. As a gay woman herself, this opportunity resonated deeply with Arrabito, sparking a sense of connection and purpose.

Initially motivated by the financial aspect, Arrabito’s egg donation process evolved into a significant personal journey as she was matched with a pair of gay dads who shared her values and vision of chosen family and love. The decision to have an open donation, allowing for potential future contact between Arrabito and the child, underlined the intention and depth of their connection.

The road to parenthood was not without its challenges. Arrabito faced intense hormone injections and uncertainties, but found strength in her online support network on TikTok, where she shared her journey and received encouragement from the queer community. Her commitment and resilience paved the way for a meaningful collaboration with the dads, culminating in the retrieval of her eggs and subsequent donation.

After the successful egg retrieval, a new chapter unfolded when Lindsay Perrin, a fellow queer community member and friend of Arrabito, volunteered to be the surrogate for the dads. This spontaneous decision, made over brunch, highlighted the power of community and shared values. Perrin’s journey through psychological evaluations, bloodwork, and legal reviews mirrored Arrabito’s earlier experiences, cementing their bond and commitment to helping the dads fulfil their dream of parenthood.

The transfer of the fertilised embryos marked a pivotal moment in this unique family-building process, underpinned by trust, intention, and a shared queer identity. Perrin’s pregnancy journey, although physically and emotionally demanding, was a testament to her dedication to supporting the dads and their future daughter. The arrival of the baby girl on July 13, 2025, was a joyous and deeply emotional moment for everyone involved, solidifying their bond and shared journey.

In the postpartum period, Perrin reflected on her role as a surrogate, likening it to being a grandparent or auntie, relishing the time spent with the baby while cherishing her own recovery and rest. The ongoing connection between the dads, Arrabito, and Perrin speaks to the profound impact of their journey and the formation of a unique and loving extended family.

Through their openness and willingness to share their story online, Arrabito and Perrin have garnered widespread support and admiration, with their TikTok videos reaching millions of viewers. The positive reception and encouragement from the online community underscore the power of storytelling and representation, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar paths to parenthood.

As they navigate the joys and challenges of co-parenting and forming a blended family, the dads, Arrabito, and Perrin reflect on the transformative nature of their journey, filled with love, resilience, and a shared commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive family unit. In a world marked by adversity and discrimination, their story stands as a beacon of hope and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

In a time where families come in all shapes and sizes, the heartwarming tale of these TikTok friends turned co-parents exemplifies the power of connection, resilience, and love in building a modern family rooted in shared values and unwavering support. As they embrace the challenges and joys of parenthood together, their story serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities and transformations that can unfold when love and community converge.

Jordan Greene, a Society and Culture writer-reporter at PEOPLE, beautifully captures the essence of this extraordinary journey towards parenthood, showcasing the strength and unity found in the LGBTQ+ community and the power of friendship, love, and shared values in creating a new and inclusive definition of family.