*The conversation salon that launched ItsQwere was held in a San Francisco living room on April 25, 2018*

Seven years ago, I got curious about how to engage queer folks of color beyond the life we shared over cocktails. Gay bars are a place of refuge, and I love a good happy hour, but I wondered about other safe spaces for us to be fabulous and free.

I posted a call on Instagram asking LGBTQ folks of color to join me in an open conversation.

For those unfamiliar with the ItsQwere lore: On April 25, 2018, in the San Francisco living room of a Mission District townhouse, friends and friends of friends explored our shared queer experiences with coming out, media influences, family — blood and chosen, and navigating life in the alphabet community. A connected two hours of vulnerability and openness.

The stories gathered that evening sparked an ongoing desire to curate spaces that hold our narratives at the core. Since then, we’ve engaged communities in more ways than I ever imagined when I first called folks into the room.

It’s because of the people who support us through their talents and resources that we’re able to continue scaling up. I’m grateful to everyone who's ever touched ItsQ in any capacity and I’m ready for what’s possible over the next seven years.

Happy anniversary to ItsQwere; the limitless light that you are. And thank you, reader, for bearing witness.

xx, TT

PS. I’m always looking for people to ideate with. If you’re interested in growing LGBTQ spaces or want to share words of encouragement, let’s connect.