What a delight it has been to see Essence Magazine embrace the love of Niecy Nash, television superstar, and Jessica Betts, musician, on the cover of their March/April 2022 Issue. Hitting newsstands on March 1, this issue celebrates Black women in Hollywood. The confident cover features Nash and Betts in a loving embrace.
Albeit photographed shirtless and showcasing a lot of skin, the photo doesn’t feel cheap or gimmicky. It really captures the connection between Nash and Betts and beautifully represents women loving women. From my perspective, this cover looks more like it was made for our community than for men. It feels authentic and not pornified. It says, “Look at this loving, bold couple unafraid to show the world who they are.” This is the lesbian content I wake up for.
Since their marriage, Betts and Nash have not shied away from showcasing their love and affection. “Agendas feel very forced,” Betts said. “If there’s an agenda, it’s that we’re going to spread queer joy. The world needs it. Real talk.” The only agenda in their minds is being a positive influence to the gay community at large and I find that so invigorating. If you think you aren’t ‘doing enough’ as a lesbian woman, take a step back and realize that by proudly living your life, in the open and joyfully, you are a positive role model.
Nash and Betts were wed on August 29, 2020, and “broke the internet” with their surprise nuptials. Prior to their intimate backyard wedding, they had not publicized their relationship. Nash was previously married to men, twice, before tying the knot with Betts. Nash has taken Betts last name but continues to use Nash professionally. We stan this darling femme/butch couple.
“What I was and am still attracted to is Jessica’s soul. She was the most beautiful soul I had ever met in my life. Now that I’ve experienced it, I can’t imagine going through life without it,” says Nash. Definitely check out and support their article in Essence — it will brighten your day. I kid you not, you will squeal at how cute they are together and get to witness their obvious love for eachother in the video embedded in the online article. This is the stuff lesbian love dreams are made of. It’s wholesome.
Nash captioned the cover announcement on her instagram, “Making H E R S T O R Y… Thank you @essence for choosing The Betts as your FIRST same sex couple to cover you magazine!”
Another instagram post, with a featured Essence photo, goes on to say, “Our prayer is that we contribute to normalizing loving who you love out loud! We hope you find your voice and stand in your truth…. knowing that you were designed by the creator -who makes no mistakes! Your beauty and your superpower is that you are uniquely YOU! Thank you @essence for your fearlessness with having us on your HERSTORY making cover! ‘Betts’ believe we are just getting started baby!”
