Let me tell you about my best friends. These women are the definition of ride or die. They have been through hell and back with me the past few years, and were ready to go the distance, when others looked the other way. We have had each other’s back, even when people were trying to ensure otherwise. We advocate for each other behind closed doors, and sing each other’s praises every chance we get. I could not have made it through the past few years without them. And no one will truly understand what we went through. I’m so grateful that I’ve had these strong, intelligent, funny, caring, beautiful women by my side. There’s something so incredible that happens when people really see you in a way that no one has before, and appreciate and cherish the things about you that you used to be made to feel ashamed of. I never thought I’d know a love or friendship like this, and I couldn’t be more grateful❤️ Also, just a shoutout to Black & queer women doing the damn thing? Between us, we have four Master’s degrees, one PhD, speak five languages, own two homes, and are just getting started.