.193 Kevin Jennings

Kevin and I were first introduced over email. Nearly 2 years later in the Fall of 2019, we found ourselves at the same exact table at a gala in downtown Manhattan. After a few moments of memory digging, we realized the connection and were bonding over gratitude and the small world we live in. Finally having met, Kevin’s deep empathy and astounding intelligence were even more notable in person.

We saw each other again one year ago now, just before the pandemic hit NYC, and I am so grateful for that morning. Kevin was laser-focused and made me feel special and appreciated. He’s a remarkable man who recognizes how full life can be with both significant highs and terrifying lows. He so clearly lives with his hands open to any and all experiences and he welcomes those in his life into and along for the journey. Put simply, Kevin understands the magnitude and fragility of life and is a role model for me in terms of how to treat people, how to be honest, and how to be kind.

Kevin, thank you for your constant support of me, my TEDx talk, and my gratitude project(s). Thank you for being such a compassionate human being who I look up to and admire. Thank you for your helpful thoughts on so many topics, from work related issues to wedding speeches. Thank you for being such a diligent hero and champion in the LGBT community and beyond, and a special thank you for the work you have done to make the lives of so many people more open, full, and proud. Thank you for being a friend and a mentor and thank you for kindness. Thank you, Kevin, for being you.

-BD