Overcoming Adversity: BJ Barone and Frankie Nelson’s Story of Love and Legal Triumph

Redefining Family

In this episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson speaks with BJ Barone and Frankie Nelson, a couple whose lives changed when a photo of their son’s birth went viral. BJ and Frankie, both high school teachers, reflect on how much society has evolved, noting how being gay is now more accepted compared to the struggles they faced growing up.

Frankie shares his difficult coming out experience and the painful years of keeping his sexuality a secret from his father. BJ, raised in a Catholic family with rigid expectations, discusses his own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Despite these challenges, the two have been together for 17 years, overcoming obstacles along the way.

Their story includes their engagement in 2008, marriage in 2010, and the difficulties BJ faced in having his family accept Frankie, especially during holidays. Frankie also shares how overcoming drug addiction and the desire to become a father helped him find purpose.

Their dream of becoming parents was realized through a smooth surrogacy journey in Canada. BJ and Frankie talk about choosing an egg donor and surrogate, leading to the birth of their son, Milo, during Toronto’s World Pride weekend. The birth was captured in a powerful photo that quickly went viral.

However, the joy of that moment was overshadowed when their photo was misused by anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns in Ireland and Italy. In 2016, BJ and Frankie took legal action, and after a seven-year battle, they won—a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in Italy.

In this episode, BJ and Frankie share their journey, their love, and their dedication to making the world a better place for their son and the LGBTQ+ community.