Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts Talk Queer Love in New Interview
![Actress and comedian Niecy Nash and singer Jessica Betts make “HERSTORY” as the first queer couple to grace the cover of Essence. The exciting news made its way to social media on Thursday, with Niecy and Jessica taking to Instagram and Twitter to announce their involvement in the March/April 2022 issue. “Thank you @essence for choosing The Betts as your FIRST same sex couple to cover [your] magazine!” Niecy shared in her Instagram post.](https://glittermagazine.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_1108574090.jpg)
Actress and comedian Niecy Nash and singer Jessica Betts make “HERSTORY” as the first queer couple to grace the cover of Essence. The exciting news made its way to social media on Thursday, with Niecy and Jessica taking to Instagram and Twitter to announce their involvement in the March/April 2022 issue. “Thank you @essence for choosing The Betts as your FIRST same sex couple to cover [your] magazine!” Niecy shared in her Instagram post.
The Claws star and “Catch Me” singer were married in August of 2020, and the union came as a surprise to many. “A lot of people thought it was like a movie or some promo,” Niecy revealed to Essence. Some seemed to think that her past marriages to men meant that she couldn’t be queer, but that was simply untrue.
After a whirlwind wedding, a sunny Santa Barbara honeymoon, and 18 months as wives, the two women are now the happiest they’ve ever been. Niecy even admitted that Jessica “was the most beautiful soul [she] had ever met in [her] life.”
Essence’s first queer cover stars have received an outpour of love and support on social media. In the magazine’s Instagram post announcing the news, one user commented, “Really grateful to see Black Queer love celebrated!” Another added, “Here for the Black love and joy! 💖”
The Betts’ news is also blowing up on their respective Instagram accounts. “This is really beautiful and amazing 😭,” a fan shared on Jessica’s post, “I never ever thought I’d live to see this and I’m so glad that [I] did. #loveislove 🌈”
On Twitter, people were just as delighted. After releasing a series of heartfelt tweets about the cover, Niecy’s replies were flooded with incredible responses.
“Best Essence cover EVA” stunning!
— G (@NeeNee_2821) February 24, 2022
The representation of queer Black love in the media is often few and far between. But Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts are working hard to change that. Here’s to hoping this Essence cover is the first of many and that other publications follow suit.
