Devon is Nichole's best friend and platonic soulmate! They have been friends since 2017 when they met working at a drug and alcohol rehab. Devon and Nichole clicked from the moment they met bonding over their (dark) sense of humor, parenting challenges and successes and the magic of Blackness. Since then, they have built a beautiful friendship with a foundation of trust, honesty, support and, of course, dark humor.

Crystal “Elder Gay” Cheatham is one of our dearest friends as well as an icon in the Philly LGBTQ community. Gabrielle (G) and Crystal first met online, through mutual friends, as G was yearning to build queer friendships and reconcile crises of faith and sexuality. Crystal, as the founder of Our Bible App and an LGBTQ rights activist, proved perfect for this role. After a few emails, Crystal invited G to a hangout wherein G talked mainly about Nichole the entire time and her exhilarating, petrifying, mystifying, paralyzing infatuation with this woman. Crystal was patient, gentle, and encouraging, as she would prove to always be. There were laughs, tears, tacos, and margs, and the rest is history! Crystal became “Elder Gay” as she supported G through coming out, navigating queer identity, and building new relationships. Crystal befriended Nichole as the couple grew closer, and there have been several ensuing group outings, parties, venting sessions, karaoke's and couch naps. When G made the initial decision to propose to Nichole, Crystal was a key player in ensuring the day went smoothly. (G Later found out that Nichole was also in cahoots with Crystal to plan her own proposal!) Crystal has grown with us from icon to Elder to the unofficial official aunt of our child (and animals). And now, we are beyond honored to have her as our beloved officiant.