In the vibrant tapestry of the sapphic community, love unfolds uniquely for every individual, shaped by their upbringing, geographical roots, and the intricate layers of their identity and sexual orientation.

“Sapphic” typically refers to the ancient Greek poet Sappho or her poetry. In modern usage, the term has been distorted, often associated with female homosexuality or same-sex relationships among women. Within the sapphic sisterhood, the bonds are reminiscent of the unwavering support for Black women. 

We all have that one person who stood by us during our most challenging moments—the friend who patiently helped unravel our hair in the dorm after a demanding day, the companion we reached out to for a carefree night out, a refuge from the stresses of school, and those steadfast souls who offered a shoulder to lean on when life took an unexpected turn.

The innate ways Black women instinctively rally around each other are profoundly touching. We nurture and hold dear these connections, understanding that, ultimately, we stand united, ready to support one another when the world may not.

And what could match the intensity of love more than the profound connection shared by two Black sapphics in a romantic relationship?

Meet Kiarra Thompson, a junior from Alabama. Her partner, Tait Manning, calls Cleveland, home. Their love story unfolded in the enchanting setting of Howard University, where they crossed paths on the ramp outside College Hall South. A cascade of compliments and exchanged contact information revealed a more profound connection that transcended mere friendship, and from that moment onward, they dedicated themselves to a profound love.

Navigating self-discovery in the realm of queerness can be isolating, according to Thompson. “I can’t be myself everywhere,” the third-year student said. Both experiencing their first relationships together, challenges were inevitable. Thompson grew up in a Christian household where queerness wasn’t always embraced, which pushed the couple to come to terms with their identities as individuals first.

The specter of imposter syndrome looms large, especially when returning to less accepting environments. “Being around family is when I feel that [imposter syndrome]. Being perceived in a way other than how I identify makes me feel invalidated,” said Manning.

In the face of such challenges, finding a supportive community becomes paramount.

Queerness is not a novelty on our campus. The community here is bountiful. Last year, Howard ranked first as the most inclusive HBCU for queer students. Howard is the only HBCU with a fund created specifically to support queer students, awarding various funds and scholarships annually for excelling queer students. If you know where to look, you can find queer people around campus. 

Arguably, queerness as an identity is revolutionary, as it deviates from the ‘norm’ and defies everything categorized under the heteronormative umbrella. Howard has a rich queer community of the queer community, but that community is not always given the spotlight it deserves. 

For the couple, coming to an HBCU has provided the space to grow into their identities and explore themselves more. It has provided them with “the most compassion we’ve met within their lives,” said Manning. 

“We have our cave of love,” added Thompson, reflecting on their love and the community they’ve built here.