Connect How did your love story begin?

Our love story began at San Francisco Pride outside of City Hall in 2015. I met her cousin the year before and he and I kept in touch, so we agreed to meet up. Not knowing what I looked like, Toni picked me out of a crowd at the main stage. He introduced us, but nothing came of it. We flirted a little on social media and went on 2 dates in 2016, but never turned into more than a flirty friendship. Life happened and we turned into distant friends, but we reconnected in 2022 and never looked back.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Our favorite memory is our first date in 2016. It was so out of character for both of us, especially with how shy Toni is, but I think that’s what makes it so special. We went to the movies and I was a college student, so I paid for the date with some crumbled dollars and a few quarters! After the movie, we sat at the kitchen table, shared a 6 pack, and talked until 4am. No hug, no kiss, barely even flirting! It was the first time I got lost in time and felt like the only 2 people in the world.

What would you do with $20,000?

Having kids in this world is difficult as it is, but trying as a queer couple adds a few more hurdles. Winning $20k would give us such a head start in our IVF journey. We are both now in our 30s and fears are starting to weigh in… We want nothing more than to start a family and bring more love into this world, so $20k would mean the world to us.