'Big Brother' UK’s Zelah Glasson Opens Up About Parenthood and Fertility as a Trans Man

In a recent episode of the ITV reality series Big Brother, Zelah Glasson, a 25-year-old personal trainer, brought the topic of transgender parenthood into the national spotlight. During a heartfelt conversation on October 14 with fellow housemate Jenny, a 20-year-old makeup artist, Zelah addressed questions about the possibility of having children as a transgender man, sharing both the biological considerations and his personal family plans with partner Francesca .

Jenny asked directly, “If you really wanted to, could you get pregnant or no?” Zelah’s response was both factual and personal: “It’s unlikely. I don’t have periods. But it’s not necessarily impossible, and if I were to stop taking testosterone, yeah, I could.” He further elaborated on his plans to possibly have his eggs retrieved so that his partner, Francesca, could carry their child: “That way, our baby will have 50 per cent of my DNA but she gets to carry it. That’s what she wants—she really wants to do it that way” .

Zelah’s comments reflect both his lived experience and the broader scientific understanding of fertility among transgender men. Medical experts confirm that transgender men can and do get pregnant and give birth if they retain their uterus and ovaries and temporarily stop hormone therapy .

A 2024 study published in Cell Reports Magazine found that approximately one third of trans men continue to ovulate after taking testosterone, even if their menstrual cycle appears to have stopped, making pregnancy possible . Researcher Joyce Asseler at Amsterdam UMC, who led the study, observed that 33 percent of participants showed signs of recent ovulation despite ongoing testosterone therapy, indicating that fertility may be preserved longer than previously assumed.

Another 2020 study found that transgender men who have undergone testosterone therapy for years can have similar egg yields to cisgender women who have not taken testosterone, suggesting comparable chances for in vitro fertilization (IVF) success after stopping hormones for a period of time .

The UK National Health Service (NHS) provides information and support for transgender men wishing to conceive, including guidance on donor insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, and various surrogacy options. The NHS notes that stopping testosterone is typically required for fertility, and medical supervision is essential .

Zelah’s conversation with Jenny was widely praised by Big Brother viewers and LGBTQ+ advocates as a model of respectful curiosity and open dialogue. Social media responses highlighted the value of Jenny’s thoughtful question and Zelah’s willingness to educate, with one viewer writing, “Love that she asked a curious question respectfully. That’s all it takes. Respect to both of them” . Others described the exchange as “open and honest” and a positive example for how conversations around transgender identity and family planning can be conducted in public life.

Throughout his time on Big Brother, Zelah has become known for articulately educating housemates on the lived reality of being a trans man, including addressing incidents of misgendering. Earlier in the series, after being misgendered by a fellow contestant, Zelah responded with patience and clarity, explaining why such remarks are harmful but also assuring his housemate, “You’re allowed to get things wrong” .

His mother, Maya Glasson, praised his approach in an interview with Your Local Guardian, saying, “Because of opening up dialogues like this and conducting himself so graciously, for us, he’s already won” .

The visibility of transgender men discussing fertility and family planning on mainstream television remains rare, making Zelah’s openness especially significant. High-profile examples such as author Logan Brown and writer Freddy McConnell, both transgender men who have shared their experiences of pregnancy and parenthood, have helped to expand public awareness and challenge stereotypes .

Advocates stress that inclusive, fact-based conversations in media can help reduce stigma and misinformation around trans parenthood. The respectful tone modeled by both Zelah and Jenny on Big Brother has been widely commended as a step forward for public understanding. As one viewer noted on social media, “Love these conversations so much. This is what @bbuk is all about” .

The episode has also prompted renewed discussion about the need for accessible, trans-affirming fertility services and the importance of supporting diverse family structures. Medical and LGBTQ+ organizations, such as the NHS and the Human Rights Campaign, continue to advise transgender people on reproductive options, legal rights, and emotional support during the family planning process .

Zelah is currently considered a frontrunner to win the 2025 Big Brother series, with fans and commentators praising his honesty, educational impact, and positive representation of transgender men . The ongoing series, airing on ITV2 and ITVX, continues to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on identity, inclusion, and the realities of LGBTQ+ lives in the UK.

As conversations sparked by Zelah’s openness spread beyond the Big Brother house, advocates hope that increased representation and respectful dialogue will foster greater acceptance, better-informed healthcare, and stronger support for all individuals exploring their paths to parenthood.