Pregnant Transgender Man's Appearance on Fashion Magazine Cover Sparks Outrage and Ignites Debate

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jun 02, 01:10 pm

The cover of Glamour U.K.'s June issue has stirred up a storm of controversy with its portrayal of a topless pregnant transgender man. The image, featuring author Logan Brown, sparked a fierce reaction from online critics, who expressed their outrage and disbelief.

From Transphobia to Empowerment: Logan Brown's Journey as a Trans Pregnant Man

Logan Brown, a 27-year-old transgender man who was assigned female at birth, graced the cover of British Glamour Magazine's digital issue in honor of Pride Month. In a painted-on suit, he proudly showcased his large baby bump, a consequence of an unexpected pregnancy with his partner, Bailey J. Mills, a non-binary drag performer in the U.K. Brown temporarily paused his testosterone treatments for health reasons, and during this period, the couple discovered they were expecting a child.

According to Fox News, Chloe Laws of Glamour spoke with Brown just two weeks before he gave birth to a daughter and delved into his particular experience of an unintentional pregnancy as a transgender man. In her introduction, Laws sheds light on the rampant transphobia the couple faced online, with comments repeatedly stating that "men can't get pregnant" on Brown's social media posts.

Expressing his joy, Brown shared, "I've been brought up in a very close-knit family, and so to bring a baby into the world in a queer relationship is the best feeling ever. I feel like we'll be able to love and appreciate each other, and my daughter will be able to grow up knowing that she'll always be loved and accepted for who she is. And I think that's a really important thing for her to be around."

Brown's journey of self-discovery involved navigating challenges with mental health as a child. After coming out as a lesbian, he embarked on a quest to explore his transgender identity and now identifies as queer. While on a break from testosterone treatments, Brown had a premonition that he might be pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test confirmed his suspicion, leaving him in a state of disbelief as he grappled with the potential implications for his gender identity.

"It was really hard because how do you tell your partner, 'Oh, I'm pregnant, but oh, I'm also your boyfriend as well?" Brown reflected. "The reaction was mixed emotions for both of us."

Throughout the pregnancy, Brown chronicled his experience on a blog and through social media. While he received support from the LGBTQ community, he also encountered expected backlash due to the unconventional nature of his situation. Despite the negativity, Brown asserted, "We're real, living people. And at the end of the day, I am a transgender pregnant man, and I do exist. No matter what anyone says, I am literally living proof."

Online Critics Slam Glamour U.K. for Featuring Pregnant Transgender Man

According to Yahoo News, the release of the interview and accompanying images triggered a strong online reaction, with some individuals calling for boycotts and others criticizing the language used, such as the phrase "he gave birth." Detransition activist Oli London expressed his outrage on Twitter, stating, "Just when you thought Woke Companies could not sink any lower-Glamour UK magazine has featured this 'pregnant man' on the cover to kick off Pride Month."

While the feature drew widespread attention, it also raised questions and prompted intense debate. Piers Morgan questioned the biologically impossible notion of a man becoming pregnant, while author Helen Joyce emphasized the biological reality of childbirth and suggested that celebrating this everyday miracle should not be distorted.

Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR's European Editorial Director, defended their decision to feature Logan Brown on the cover, stating, "When we first met Logan and heard his incredible story, we were blown away by his strength and courage. We knew he would be the perfect cover star for our June Pride issue, as a shining example of empowerment, inclusivity, and equality."

According to Indy 100, The Glamour U.K. Pride issue aims to explore the allyship between women and transgender individuals, emphasizing shared experiences such as pregnancy, healthcare, and childbirth-a topic rarely discussed in relation to the transgender community.

While the controversy surrounding the magazine cover continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender identity, societal norms, and the evolving understanding of inclusivity and acceptance in our diverse world.