Becoming a Dad: Fatherhood for Gay Men - Parenting Panel - Los Angeles

More and more gay couples and single gay men are building families through surrogacy. This special panel discussion will explore the fatherhood experience and guide you through the surrogacy process from start to finish.

Leading fertility specialist and LGBTQ family advocate will moderate the evening, joined by surrogacy experts and two gay dads—including a father of two sons who will share his personal journey. Together, they’ll provide both practical guidance and heartfelt insight into what it means to become a dad through surrogacy.

You’ll learn about:

• The transformative experience of parenthood
• The surrogacy journey step by step—what it involves, what it costs, and how to prepare
• IVF and the latest fertility advances
• Egg donation and selecting a surrogate
• The role of a patient advocate
• IVF options for HIV+ men
• Key legal considerations

This welcoming and informative event is designed to answer your questions and connect you with others exploring LGBTQ parenthood. After the discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to set up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Ringler or a nurse practitioner to discuss your personal path to fatherhood.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and take the next step toward becoming a dad.

Dr. Guy Ringler is a board-certified fertility specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology, and a partner at California Fertility Partners. A pioneer in helping gay men become fathers through egg donation and surrogacy, he is recognized internationally for expertise in third-party reproduction, with patients traveling from around the world for his care.

A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Dr. Ringler trained at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania. He has served on the boards of leading family-building organizations, taught at UCLA School of Medicine, and written for The Huffington Post, The Advocate, and Time.

Honored repeatedly as one of “America’s Most Honored Doctors” and “L.A.’s Top Docs,” Dr. Ringler combines advanced reproductive science with compassionate, hands-on care. He lives in Los Angeles with his husband, architect Mark Rios.

He is dedicated to supporting all members of the LGBTQ community in achieving their goals of having children and forming families.

We're thrilled to welcome leading experts on surrogacy and parenting for the evening's discussion.Heath Tucker – Director of Intended Parent Services, Same Love SurrogacyOriginally from Kentucky, Heath spent 12 years in New York City, where he co-founded Civil Rights Front and organized major LGBTQ+ marriage equality protests. After moving to Southern California with his husband, Carlos, they became parents through surrogacy—welcoming son Jackson in 2020 and daughter Margeaux in 2024. Inspired by his own journey, Heath now helps families navigate the surrogacy process with compassion and firsthand insight.

Lori S. Meyers, Esq. – Partner, International Fertility Law GroupLori is a leading fertility law attorney with nearly 30 years of experience guiding intended parents and surrogates worldwide. As a Partner at IFLG, she has drafted thousands of contracts and secured parentage orders for families formed through assisted reproduction. An adjunct professor at Southwestern Law School and an active legislative advocate, Lori is deeply committed to reproductive rights and supporting LGBTQ+ family building.

Brad Spencer – Founder & Managing Partner, Same Love SurrogacyA Los Angeles native, Brad and his husband fulfilled their dream of fatherhood through surrogacy, welcoming twin boys. Since founding Same Love Surrogacy in 2014, he has helped parents in more than 30 countries bring over 700 babies into the world. Dedicated to building families and community, Brad also volunteers with The Trevor Project, supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

OutPro Los Angeles event photos courtesy of Digital Creator, .

Special thanks to the gay dads on our panel for sharing their family photos.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza (LA LGBTQ Center), 1125 North McCadden Place, Los Angeles, United States