Interview with Jing and Monica

Introduce yourselves! (and your kids if you’d like).

A: Jing (Mama) and Monica (Mommy) with our children Estelle and  twins Ricardo and Aurélia.

When and how did you start making content? What motivated you to share your story on social media?

We unknowingly started to make content in 2012 when we wanted to document our trying to conceive (TTC) journey merely just to record for ourselves & hopefully share with our family & friends since we were living in a different state. The motivation came from when other lesbian couples started following our journey and in return followed their journey to help support them. It was such an emotional journey that we needed all the support we could get. We did not realize that other people were looking up to us as they were watching each update. So we started to get more involved with the YouTube TTC community. Not just with lesbian couples but also other couples who had fertility issues that they were trying to overcome. We were also able to mentor the LGBTQ youth who reached out to us in asking for coming out advice.

What has been the best part of being so open about your story?

That we’re able to reach people who may not be out and letting them know they can have a family 

What has been the most difficult part of sharing your story so openly?

Us being honest about our coming out story was hard for family members because our families were not accepting at first and it took them some time to accept who we are.  They are completely involved and supportive now and have been throughout our relationship. 

Also sharing our negative attempts in trying to have a baby. That's part of the journey. Knowing you’ve done the best you can to TTC and to get a negative pregnancy test is heart wrenching. Or that first sign of your period, telling you that you are definitely NOT pregnant.

What’s something you wish more people knew about gay and lesbian parents?

That we all have the same goal in life when it comes to our children: that we want them to grow up feeling loved & us as parents are willing to do anything for our children to keep them happy and healthy.

Your content has been a major source of inspiration for LGBTQ+ people who can relate — to being LGBTQ+, Asian, in a mixed relationship, to being parents. Do either of you feel unwanted pressure as representatives (and spokespeople) of so many communities? If so, how do you handle that?

No pressure at all. We think it's a blessing that we are a mixed couple and that our children are of mixed race. We are excited and proud that we are introducing them to all the different sides of our culture, to traditions, to family & especially food. 

Your content brings a lot of hope to LGBTQ+ couples looking to start families. Do you have any general (or specific advice) to people either in the early stages of building a family, or those considering it?

Have lots of patience & a strong connection with your partner. There will be a ton of ups and downs and as a couple, you have to create this strong bond to get through it together. 

… And some rapid fire ones:

Favorite family activity?

Currently during the pandemic, our family walks on the weekend.

Favorite place you’ve lived?

Seattle, WA

Favorite Asian desert? (both of you :))

Both love Halo-Halo!

Favorite thing your kids do?

Act like dinosaurs and run and yell “roar” throughout our home.

Best part of your day so far?

It would have to be between dinner and bedtime. It’s because everyone unwinds from the day and is full from dinner. Sometimes this is the most active time for the kids and it brings out the creativeness from them. Playing with each other and getting along right before they crash for bedtime.

We are Jing and Monica. We live in Northern California. We have a 7-year-old and 2-year-old twins. We also have 2 dogs and 3 cats. We worked hard to create this fun and crazy family. It’s worth every emotion and struggle we have been through for almost a decade.