When Tyler Hightower tweeted a photo of he and his partner, Ahdeem Tinsley, kissing to his 40 followers, he didn't expect much of a response.
However, 100,000 'likes' and over 12,000 retweets later, it's safe to say the image stuck a chord - and for all the right reasons.
"Posting this because representation matters," he wrote alongside the photo, dedicating it to the "black, gay, and happy gworls are out here!"
"We live together and have two cats," he added.
"This was our 1 year anniversary. We are at the 1 year and 8month mark and still going strong!"
Speaking to NBC, Hightower said he was motivated to share the candid photo after seeing another black gay couple share a loved-up photo and realising the importance of visibility.
“The responses have been awe-inspiring,” Hightower said. “People are replying saying that the picture made their day and that they didn’t know there was love for people like them.”
Hightower explained that “classically attractive white gay men” tend to be front and centre when it comes to LGBTIQ+ representation, both online and in the media. He hoped that by sharing the love between he and his partner, he'd remind others like him that black LGBTIQ+ people of all different sizes are “out here, working and living and falling in love.”
“Part of our identity is being fat, heavy, thick, black and gay men, and we want all people to know that no matter your size, colour or religion, be yourself and live authentically, and you will find love,” Hightower said.
“I’d been closeted for a very long time, and now I’ve found true happiness.”
