The first time Liz saw Danny, he was on the news, discussing transgender life in Alaska and what it means to be a transgender man – meaning a person born female who arrives at a deep understanding from a young age that he is male and later transitions to live every day as the man he has long known himself to be. After their first meeting, they’ve been inseparable. They love going out and doing things together, including a weekly date night devoted to quality time. But sometimes, going out in public is difficult for Danny because of the discrimination that transgender people like him continue to face. Danny has been assaulted and harassed frequently, including when he used the restroom – since living as a trans man he has been forced to use the women’s room, even though his gender identity is male.

“My passion for educating my community on important issues brought us together and continues to be a driving force in our relationship,” Liz said. “Our viewpoint in life is that we have been blessed, despite hardships, and we want every person to feel valued and respected, which is why we dedicate so much time and effort to various causes.”