The power of trans love Romeo and Jada
Four couples reveal their stories of celebration, revelation and resilience to Jude Guaitamacchi
Through all the parties and parades, it can be easy to forget that, at its core, Pride is a protest. And for the trans community, it’s especially important. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic – and the lockdowns that came with it – have disproportionately affected trans people. With report after report highlighting how young trans people face transphobia in their own homes or have experienced a lack of access to vital healthcare, it’s clear that the trans community is more vulnerable than ever.
While there’s a lot to be done across the UK to support trans people, visibility has always played an essential role in ensuring that the wider LGBTQ+ community feels safe. And for this year’s Pride, we wanted to celebrate trans joy. We sat down with trans people in relationships who prove that although dating while trans can come with its complexities, it shouldn’t be a source of conflict. These couples have found happiness in being exactly who they are, together.
Romeo and wife
Jada met back in 2013 at an event, but they didn’t speak for the first time until the following month. “From the start, we had an effortless connection with great chemistry,” Romeo says. “I became open about my gender and identity in 2018, even though
I had ‘come out’ as gay in 2009. At the time, it felt right, but looking back,
I feel I was still repressing the truth. I had to acknowledge my mental health and dysphoria.”
Romeo says Jada has been through “ups and downs” as they have struggled [with their identity]. “Without her ‘I love you for you’ attitude, it would have been much more difficult,” they explain. “Her love and support are unconditional, and I holistically love her and appreciate the woman she is. This is Jada’s only experience of being with someone who is trans and
non-binary. I know it’s no different for her than any other relationship. She loves me for who I am and as long as I am happy in myself, that’s all she cares about.”
Honesty, trust and communication are key for Romeo and Jada in their relationship. “My wife stands by me, and she is where I found everything.”