The SIMS IRL

The SIMS IRL, Newsletter #1

5 Year Anniversary Approaching

This weekend, we’re hitting the big five years together. This November, it’ll also be three years since we tied the knot. 

But it all started on March 24th, 2019, when I asked Simone to be my girlfriend. 

We made plans for a romantic dinner at Rosa Mexicana in Chinatown DC. While there, I gave her three cards marking each month since we first started dating. In the last card, I asked: “Will you be my girlfriend?” Her “yes” although expected, still made my heart soar;  it felt like a step towards someday asking her to be my Wife.

Stepping outside, she thought we were heading to her car, but instead, I had a limo waiting to whisk us away for a tour around the National Mall. As we rode, I played a special Spotify playlist full of her favorite Gogo songs, a hit with DMV natives and transplants. She was taken aback by the whole evening, and I knew my life was forever changed for the better.

A lot of people might not make a big deal about the date they started dating, but for us, every victory, big or little, is worth celebrating. Especially in a culture, that does not advocate for monogamy or fidelity.

How We Crossed Paths

In case you’re curious, Simone and I met at our job. We were both working for an LGBTQIA health organization. Simone was the brave one who came up to me first—on Halloween, which is her favorite holiday second only to Pride(of course). Our encounter in the elevator turned into chatting over direct messages, then into our first date.

Our First Getaway

Just one month in, we ventured out on our first trip to Miami. But not to go to South Beach, to go to Miami Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF). I still remember the text conversation when I invited Simone to come with me to Miami to see Limbani (A famous rescue Chimpanzee) at ZWF. 

She replied, ‘So, you want me to come to Miami with you, so you can meet a Chimpanzee? And NOT go to South Beach?’ 

And I responded, well, we can go to the Beach at some point during the trip, but yes.’ lol

I knew then, with her consent, to accompany me, that there was a future for us. 

Looking back, that trip laid the foundation for our travel adventures to follow.

Future Expectations for the SIMS IRL Blog

People may wonder why we started a blog just two years after getting married. The answer’s simple: why wait to share your life story? We believe, that it is never too early to begin telling your story and there is immense value in sharing lessons learned in the field, in live time. Sometimes stories feel distant if shared too late. 

Many times in our relationship history, we’ve often felt like we were starting from scratch, without any guide. We felt this way most intensely in the marriage planning process, because neither one of us grew up witnessing older LGBTQIA people get married and build a family unit because marriage equality was not established federally until 2015, as a result of the  Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling. Our goal is to create something that might help others not feel as lost.

Looking ahead, you can expect to see posts about our marriage journey—how we handle the milestones, stay healthy, look after ourselves, and manage sobriety. Life as a black, queer couple in America isn’t easy, and it’s certainly unique when you’re married. We’re here to share our insights and grow together.

That’s the heart of our blog—we want to learn, grow, become our best selves, invite others along for the ride, and eventually learn and grow as a collective.

SIMSpired Selections

Recently Watched Shows We Liked: “One Day”, “The Vince Staples Show”, “Love Is Blind” Season 6. 

Shows We Can’t Wait to Come Back: “The Chi,” “Heartstoppers,” “Sex and the City: And Just Like That.”

Movies We Recently Enjoyed: “Bottoms,” “Saltburn.”

Recent Concerts That Were Great: Tamia at DAR Constitution Hall, “Big As The What Tour” at PPG Arena, Pittsburgh.

Upcoming Concerts We’re Excited For: Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Kehlani – dates to be announced.

Thank you, for taking this trip down pixelated memory lane with us. We hope this newsletter has sparked joy, nostalgia, and even a bit of inspiration. And remember, we’re just an email away for you to share your stories, feedback, or just a friendly hello.