You are creating your family. You may not know how (or with whom) quite yet, but you are on your way.

Conceivable: A Guide to Making 2SLGBTQ+ Family moves beyond the birds and the bees to consider the politics, challenges, choices, and opportunities for agency and joy involved in 2SLGBTQ+ fertility, conception, and family building in Canada. With contributions from healthcare workers, mental health professionals, and support people in the field of reproductive health and 2SLGBTQ+ sexual care, this book is an honest and thorough look at growing your family.

Conceivable is for birthing parents, non-gestational parents, families seeking a surrogate or donor, and those who do not yet know what they need. With illustrations, worksheets, and activities to help you think about the intimate questions of communication, relationship building, and community, this guide will prepare you with the knowledge you need to navigate advocacy, rights, and regulations.

Laine Halpern Zisman is a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria and a lecturer at the University of Toronto. Her work moves through the intersections of 2SLGBTQ+ equity, culture and reproductive care. She received a PhD from the University of Toronto and an MFA in documentary media at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Laine is a certified fertility support practitioner and family building educator, helping people navigate all stages of their perinatal journeys. She has published two collected volumes, Women and Popular Culture in Canada and the second edition of Queerly Canadian, co-edited with Scott Rayter.

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Kelsy Vivash is a queer artist, designer and writer currently living in Toronto with her spouse and their beloved pets. Her work is inspired by nature and nostalgia.

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“Conceivable finds a way to speak directly to all the different parts that show up on the wild ride of conception. One minute, your inner activist will be raging about the politics of sperm in Canada, and the next minute you’ll be pulled into a story about community connection, and feel a little bit less alone. This book seamlessly weaves together research, soothing, and queer joy. It’s like having a supportive friend - with amazing insights - walking alongside you, every step of the way.”

Olivia Scobie, author of Impossible Parenting: Creating a New Culture of Mental Health for Parents

“Conceivable is the perfect companion on your family-building journey…a choose-your-own adventure with practical information and historical context, but most importantly, brimming with compassion and humanity that is so necessary as we do the vulnerable work of growing our families.”

Marea Goodman, LM, CPM, co-author of Baby Making for Everybody - Fertility and Family Building for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents