We’ve launched a NEW Faces of SCD Series: “Feelin’ the Love.” We will celebrate the big and small ways we feel love across the sickle cell community. Powered by SCD warriors, we will share stories touching on self-love, community love, and the power of love.
“Sickle Cell and dating in the LGBTQ+ community can definitely be tricky at times. But I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that relationships require compromise and understanding from both people.
The person I’m with knows that I have Sickle Cell, but what means the most is that he understands it beyond what people can see on the outside. We communicate a lot. If I’m not feeling well or if I need something, I can tell him. And if there’s something he can do, he’ll let me know. That kind of communication makes a huge difference.
One thing that’s important to me is that I don’t want to feel like I’m being taken care of all the time. I’ve made it this far by learning how to take care of myself. Yes, I have Sickle Cell, but that’s not who I am.
My love language is spending quality time together, sharing experiences, and creating memories with the person I love. I enjoy making sure my partner is happy, showing up for him, and making sure he feels supported too.
I never want a relationship to feel one-sided. I don’t want someone to feel like they have to take care of me because I have Sickle Cell. To me, it’s about partnership. He’s not my caretaker, he’s my care partner. And I’m his care partner too.
Dating is an important part of life. Most people want someone they can build a future with, laugh with, and go through life’s ups and downs with. I want my health and confidence to be in a place where I can both give and receive that kind of love.
Living with Sickle Cell has taught me a lot about communication, patience, and understanding. Those same things are important in any relationship.
Sickle Cell is part of my story, but it doesn’t define how I love.”
-Cory, SCD Warrior
