When Keo originally reached out to me through the contact form on Queer Joy Photo, I was immediately struck by his inquiry:
“My husband & I are both Black transmen and I am pregnant with our first child…”
I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate this moment in their lives with heartfelt queer joy photography. When I arrived at Realm Denver to meet Keo and Mason, I was struck by how deeply they show up for each other — with consideration, honesty, and immense care. Their love feels grounded and pure, and their journey into parenthood reflects that same steady strength.
After our session, I asked Keo if I could ask him a few questions for this blog, and he said yes — for which I am so thankful. What follows is a glimpse into Keo and Mason’s story: how they met, the leap of faith that led to starting their family, and the beautiful ways their community has supported them. This is a story about love expanding — tenderly, courageously, and unapologetically.
Can you share a little about yourselves and your journey together as a couple?
Mason & I met online in 2018. At the time, I was living in Atlanta, finishing my last year of college. I came across his Twitter, mentioned him, and the rest is history…or maybe our future. We hit it off instantly & learned that we are both from Jersey, were born in the same hospital, and at the time, he was living around the corner from where I grew up. We moved him to Atlanta maybe 4 months later after I made several trips back up north & he made one down south.
How did you know you wanted to start a family, and what has the pregnancy experience been like so far?
We have always wanted one child. We wanted to be able to give them everything they could ever need and want and dream of while also being able to be supportive of ourselves and each other. As far as specific timing, I was laid off the Human Rights Campaign in February. At that point, I had been off testosterone for almost a year, we had done all the fertility testing, & our donor vials at the clinic. I asked Mason if we could just take a leap of faith. I did not want to be off T any longer and I would not let being laid off destroy me and everything we have been building. So we took that leap. It was really baby or bust! This experience has been beautiful and terrifying! It’s the most amazing thing I have ever done, besides marrying Mason. It’s him who has made things less terrifying and more beautiful.
What kind of support systems, communities, or resources have been most helpful along the way?
We have had Mason’s mom along with us for the ride since about 6 weeks. We had a scary first trimester and have had her to lean on through it all. Mason and his mom have not always had a great relationship. It wasn’t until the past couple years that she’s come around. We’re so grateful for her and how fiercely she’s already loving our baby. We do not live stealth lives but our neighbor of four years did not know we were trans and we have always talked about having a baby. When we told her we were trans and I am carrying our baby, she was even more excited than learning about us having a baby any other way. We have taken care of each other since we moved in 4 years ago so it feels really good to know that she does not see us any different and she’s ready to love on our baby as much as she loves us.
What advice would you give other LGBTQ+ or trans folks thinking about starting a family?
Do it scared and terrified and excited. Do all of your research about all the options, the clinic (if you’re using one), and donors. More importantly, if you are trans, have been on hormones, and want to carry, learn more about and get more in tune with your body. We are so powerful as queer and trans people and we deserve every good thing we can ever want in this world so prepare yourself for all of that good.
What moments have brought you hope or joy, and what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter of your lives?
Mason is our personal chef. Cooking is his love language and he’s looking forward to the baby getting big enough for him to start to cook for them. He already has his eye on a baby food steamer and processor. There’s really nothing I am not looking forward to. I can’t wait until they’re earthside to live our lives with them. We have waited so long for this to become our reality so I’m ready for the sleepless nights and the first smiles and vacations and their Papa (Mason) being super over protective.
Photographing Keo, Mason, and their baby during this chapter felt like witnessing something truly sacred — the kind of love that grows roots and creates space for others to feel safe being themselves. Their openness, humor, and fierce devotion to one another are everything that makes chosen and created families so special. What a huge honor it was to create with them.
Keo and Mason, thank you for creating together and trusting me to hold these moments with you. Your story reminds us that love is something worth celebrating, over and over again.
About Your Photographer
I’m a non-binary photographer in Denver, specializing in heartfelt queer joy photography. At Queer Joy Photo, I create a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ clients, couples, and families to authentically show up in front of the camera. My goal is to capture real moments of connection, love, and resilience, honoring the unique stories of each client. Whether it’s pregnancy, family, or authentic portraits, I help you feel seen, celebrated, and fully yourself.