Hey all, seeking perspective from people who have been in successful IR relationships or are currently in healthy ones!

I’m in a relationship with someone I genuinely love, who respects me and my Black identity. I’m proud of our relationship, but sometimes I wonder if, in the future, there might be situations where I’ll feel like I’m caught between being fully present in Black spaces and my relationship. It’s not something that’s actively come up—more of a potential challenge that I want to be mindful of as we go forward.

I also totally understand that my partner’s presence might not always be appropriate in certain Black spaces that affirm me. I respect that, but I don’t want to feel like I have to choose between these parts of my life to feel connected to my identity.

For those of you in similar situations, how do you balance staying connected to Black spaces and community while also feeling happy and confident in your IR? What kind of spaces do you find welcoming to you and your partner. What does your community look like? Any advice or experiences would be so helpful. Thank you!