A Queer Surrogate Helping Two Dads Build a Family
We’re honored that LGBTQ Nation recently featured the story of Zarah Hilliard, a queer surrogate who carried a child for two gay dads through SurrogateFirst. But Zarah’s journey wasn’t just about becoming a surrogate—it was the fulfillment of a dream she had since middle school.
As a child, Zarah was inspired by a teacher who had carried twins for an infertile couple. The idea of helping someone else become a parent stuck with her for years. By the time she was 21—the minimum legal age for surrogates—Zarah had already become a mom herself and knew she was ready to give that gift to another family.
Zarah was intentional about her match. As a queer woman, she hoped to carry for LGBTQ+ intended parents. “I know how it is being part of the LGBTQ community,” she shared. “How hard it is to want a baby and to want a family.”
Through SurrogateFirst and a matching event hosted by Men Having Babies, she connected with Randall Thomas and Daryl Garcia, a couple who had been dreaming of fatherhood for over a decade. Their shared values—especially the desire for a close relationship with their surrogate—made the connection feel natural.
“They wanted somebody they felt really, really close to,” Zarah said. “Which was the exact relationship I wanted with my intended parents.”
Throughout the pregnancy, Randall and Daryl remained deeply involved: flying out for appointments, checking in regularly, and building a friendship with Zarah and her partner. Their bond extended beyond logistics—it became family. Today, they remain close, calling each other regularly and sharing milestones.
Zarah’s perspective on surrogacy is refreshingly honest. For her, pregnancy was never about parting with something—it was about keeping a child safe and returning them to the family they belonged to.
“I’m growing this baby for nine months, but then I’m returning this baby to the family that they’re supposed to be with. And it was beautiful.”
Her story also speaks to broader representation. Zarah wants more queer women and women of color to see surrogacy as a possible and empowering choice—and to understand what the process truly involves. For her, it’s not about compensation, but about connection, purpose, and building the kind of families that weren’t always visible when she was growing up.
She’s already planning her second journey—with another gay couple—and looks forward to expanding her chosen family even further.
At SurrogateFirst, we are immensely proud to have Zarah as part of our surrogate community. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for intended parents and surrogates alike, reminding us of the incredible impact surrogacy can have in creating families and fulfilling dreams.
We invite you to read the full article on LGBTQ Nation and join us in celebrating Zarah’s beautiful journey.
Stay tuned to the SurrogateFirst blog for more updates and discussions on surrogacy-related topics.
