Real Couples // Two Awesome People: Alex + Kris
/This interview was originally published on Love Les, a resource for love stories told by a lipstick lesbian.
Alex and Kris are a stellar woke couple that are literally promoting love by simply living their day-to-day lives. They are a complete inspiration to me. Alex (she/her/hers) is the founder and chief event manager of Lex Events. Kris (she/her/hers) recently accepted a position to sit on the board of Metropolitan Counseling Services, helping to create positive change in the Atlanta community. I interviewed them for Love Les.
How do you identify?
A- We're pretty comfortable with any term. Usually, I identify as queer over lesbian. Kris identifies as gay over lesbian.
How long have you known about yourself?
A- I knew when I was 12 years old. I knew immediately when I laid my eyes on Laura, this perfect girl who wore hoop earrings with her bikini, that I wasn’t straight. I didn’t know what I was, but I knew I wasn’t what the church told me to be.
K- Jeez I don't know...kindergarten or first grade. I didn't know what to call it. I didn't have words—I just knew that I liked girls better than boys. I remember having my first crush on a girl when I was in first grade. I just liked her so much more than a regular friend.
Is your family affirming?
K- Yes. Period.
A- Somewhat. I think they struggle because they have this vision for how they want their kid’s life to go, and then their kid is like “nope.” (laughs) My mom says that these things take time. It’s hard because it wasn’t really a transition for me. I guess some of it is my fault for not being honest about my sexuality as a kid. I think if I told them earlier on, they would have come around a lot faster.
What does love look like?
K- It looks like a scrunched up nose when she's smiling that signature smile.
A- The prettiest latte made by your favorite barista when nobody else is in your corner at the coffee shop. It's like when your favorite place is finally all yours.
Why is marriage important to you?
A- Ugh. This one. My little sister has a friend who asked me why I need to call it “marriage.” In her mind, I'm trying to ruin a Christian institution. So firstly I think it’s important to name that marriage is not a Christian institution. Secondly, marriage is the concept of forever that has changed over time. When I think of how we've transformed this concept of marriage from possession to a concept of equality, I feel inspired. In that understanding, Kris and I will forever be committed to each other as equal partners for the rest of our physical lives. No matter what you believe—that's a beautiful idea.
K- Because it gets us one step closer to equality in this country. But, I'm an oldie. Marriage was not something that I ever thought I would be able to take part in. The way Alex and I view it is totally different because of our age. I just think it shows how far we've come, that everyone should be able to have that sense of family with the person they love. And that Alex, younger than me, has a different view, one that's more inclusive, is telling of the progress we've made. It gives me the comfort of knowing that if Alex were ever sick, or dying, our entire life couldn't be ripped away from us due to unfair legalities.
Read the rest of the interview on Love Les
Photos by Steph Grant
Steph Grant is the owner of Steph Grant Photography, Steph Grant Studios & Founder of the Promote Love Movement. She believes in the art of storytelling. Sharing your story can change minds and softens hearts. She has experienced this firsthand countless times.
Meet Love Les: I am working towards my Master of Divinity at Columbia Theological Seminary with a specialization in Inclusivity and Activism. I’ve always been fascinated with creative endeavors that seek to better the world. When I started at Columbia I launched a Instagram campaign, #MindCrushMonday, to celebrate the amazing people within my community. Love Les is a project I launched in January. I interview people from LBGTQ, take their photos, and tell their stories of love, life, identity, and hope.
