Caius was working for Congress when he met with Devon on behalf of a leading transgender civil rights organization. When Caius later joined the same organization, we quickly developed a deep mutual professional respect and maybe something more. We didn't acknowledge our feelings until eHarmony gave us a not-so-subtle nudge. That match sparked a conversation and after much deliberation, we took a risk on love. Choosing each other meant choosing joy, which is what we are fighting for.

We eloped at High Line Park in NYC surrounded by our immediate family who traveled far to celebrate our love. We were married by Diego Miguel Sanchez, the first openly trans senior staffer on Capitol Hill. We didn’t realize a crowd had gathered to watch our vows until the whole park erupted in cheers when we kissed. A passing poet wrote us a commemorative poem. We then paid our respects to our elders at the Stonewall Inn, hand in hand, adding our love to the legacy of queer resistance and joy.

We want to start our multicultural family and build a home in a community where we are safe and welcome. For queer couples, family planning takes time, intention, and financial resources. Our dream is to raise a child in a home filled with music, laughter, and love. This support would help us build the kind of life that trans and queer folks often dream about: a life where we grow and nurture our families in safety, joy, and love.