Scott Hoying and his husband Mark Hoying recently celebrated a significant milestone in their lives with the arrival of their daughter, Birdie James. Born on June 3 in Los Angeles via surrogate, their journey to parenthood has been both lengthy and heartfelt, spanning over four years.
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Scott, known for his role in the acclaimed a cappella group Pentatonix, expressed his deep emotions upon seeing his daughter for the first time. He reminisces about his childhood and the early dreams he held about love, marriage, and having a family. “It really was beautiful,” Scott said, reflecting on the overwhelming joy he felt. “Looking at her, I started crying because it was just such a beautiful thing that I feel really, really lucky.”
A unique aspect of their story is the involvement of Scott’s sister, Lauren, who acted as the egg donor for the couple. In his statements, Scott has described her contribution as the “ultimate gift of life.” His gratitude for her selfless act is palpable: “I literally cannot believe how selfless she is. She was so passionate about doing it,” Scott added. The couple sees this act of generosity as a crucial part of their journey, one that has enabled them to fulfil their dream of becoming parents.
Birdie’s name, Birdie James, carries both musical and personal significance. Scott shared that the first song he ever learned was “Put On a Happy Face” from the musical Bye Bye Birdie, linking it to their daughter’s name in a whimsical yet meaningful way. Mark’s middle name, James, was also included, ensuring that the name embodied a harmonious blend of sentiment and creativity.
Reflecting on their past, Scott noted the lack of visible queer role models during his adolescence, making him feel isolated when contemplating a family of his own. His desire to show that same-sex couples can thrive and build loving families is an essential part of their narrative. “I just wish that I had more idols that were queer and gay in media growing up,” he explained. By sharing their experience, Scott and Mark hope to inspire others navigating similar paths: “We always want to just show we are thriving, we are in love, and we have a beautiful baby.”
Mark highlighted the intentionality behind their decision to grow their family, noting that their journey to parenthood was not taken lightly. “I just feel like the most grateful person in the world because I get to share this experience with the love of my life,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm and appreciation for fatherhood.
As they adjust to their new roles, the couple is relishing the everyday moments that come with parenthood. With Scott’s upcoming Pentatonix Christmas tour on the horizon, they are making the most of their time at home, engaging in activities that bond them as a family. “Scott will sing to Birdie at the piano, and he’ll play music for her. It calms her down so much,” Mark noted, showcasing their efforts to introduce their daughter to music from an early age. Scott also humorously shared his ulterior motive, saying, “I’m trying to manifest her being a singer.”
In their new life as a family of three, the Hoyings are committed to sharing their love and experiences, reinforcing the belief that family dynamics can be diverse and vibrant. They continue to highlight the possibility of joyful, thriving lives for LGBTQ+ families, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about acceptance and representation.
This heartwarming journey underscores the power of love and the lengths individuals may go to make their dreams of family a reality. As Birdie grows, the couple looks forward to nurturing her with the same encouragement and support that they have found in one another. With their story, Scott and Mark Hoying are not only living their dream but are also becoming advocates for love, acceptance, and the beauty of modern families.