Politics
A bit of a backstory is warranted here. This technically was not my first time at the DNC. In fact, both Malcolm and I spoke during the 2020 virtual DNC. I have a separate post about that here.
But nothing compares to the live experience and this was the first for me.
I was there for my husband's speech - which went amazing - laying out the case for a new leadership and concern about Project 2025. However, the surprise was that the Obamas were speaking the same night!
Read MoreFor Valentine's Day 2022, we were featured alongside esteemed public figures like Sheryl Lee Ralph and State Senator Vincent Hughes in an article "The power of love: Meet six Pennsylvania power couples making us gush."
Dr. Matthew Miller messaged Malcolm Kenyatta on Instagram five years ago and the two fell in love instantly when they finally met in person months later. Based in Philadelphia, Malcolm is a state representative and candidate for the U.S. Senate, and Matt is an urban designer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. Malcolm, who tied the knot with Matt on Feb. 5, jokes that Matt is his campaign’s creative director. He said Matt working outside politics can be advantageous because “he has made this campaign more beautiful, creative and fun for not just myself, but our team and supporters.”
Matthew Miller & Malcolm Kenyatta (Doug Kerr/Flickr)
The Native Son 101 is a list in alphabetical order of the Black gay/queer men who made an impact in our community and in the world in 2020. These are the Brothers who pushed through one of the most horrific years in history and made a difference, created something new, and broke barriers. It is 101 because we believe that the extra person in our community can create change. It’s also a double entendres because this is a lesson in the beauty, boldness and brilliance of Black gay/queer men.
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An incredible blogger ran a story about our moment. https://www.livingoutloud20.com/post/watch-pa-rep-malcolm-kenyatta-appears-on-dnc-with-fianc%C3%A9-dr-matthew-miller
Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (181st District-North Philadelphia) was one of 17 rising political stars and the only openly gay Black man to participate in the keynote address delivered during the second night of the Democratic National Convention. But viewers received a bonus during Kenyatta's pre-recorded remarks when his fiancé, Dr. Matthew Miller joined him onscreen for a brief but captivating moment that undoubtedly reverberated across America.
The Philadelphia power couple spoke on the significance of Joe Biden's support of their relationship.
Kenyatta: "When I wanted to marry the man I loved, Joe Biden was the first national figure to support me and my family. "
Miller: "Appreciate you man."
That "appreciate you man" has us completely verklempt. And we're not alone. The couple's clip became a topic of discussion on CNN's New Day during an interview with openly gay former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.
We got to see ourselves not only during the DNC 2020 but the Philadelphia Inquirer featured us on the front page as we watched ourselves the next day.
While it was only three words, it was enough for President Biden to shout me and Malcolm out during the Pride Month celebration at the White House in July 2021. Our moment apparently “stole the show” and it is now reflected in the official White House transcript. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/06/25/remarks-by-president-biden-commemorating-lgbtq-pride-month/
