Queer Reads: Book reflects author’s parenting journey to nurture queer families

April 19, 2026 - 18:56

In a deeply personal new work, author and scientist Joseph Osmundson merges memoir with environmental and cultural analysis to explore the pathways to queer parenthood. His book, "Spawning Season: An Experiment in Queer Parenthood," documents his own complex journey toward and away from having children, framing it within broader questions of biology, family, and identity.

The narrative traces Osmundson’s lifelong fascination with pregnancy and parenthood, beginning in childhood. It evolves into an adult examination of the practical and philosophical challenges faced by queer individuals when considering building a family. The book moves beyond a simple personal story, delving into the science of reproduction and the cultural structures that define traditional family units.

Ultimately, "Spawning Season" positions itself as a thoughtful meditation on the myriad ways families can be created and nurtured outside of heterosexual norms. Osmundson uses his scientific background to interrogate the very building blocks of life while candidly sharing his emotional and logistical deliberations. The result is a unique contribution to literature that speaks to the specific experiences of queer community while asking universal questions about care, legacy, and love. The book is set for release in late May.