The story of how Dirk Richardson and Frank Crowley III came to exchange phone numbers is funny, and they tell it with such flair that you can't help but become engrossed in it. Ultimately, the flirting had accomplished all it could, and it was time for the two to make a move. They both have their own version of how that encounter went, but both are indicative of the beauty that inhabits the makings of a real love story.
Pop quiz! You're in a local bar, and a stranger is doing all they can to get your attention, or at least make you aware that you have theirs. What do you do?
If you're Frank Crowley III, even though you notice them, you decide to just enjoy the show, before letting them know you don't really have to be persuaded to engage in a conversation with them. If you are Dirk Richardson, you get tired of waiting for the attention, so you shoot your shot.
Well, that just about sums up the story of how Dirk met Frank! As it turns out, my conversation with this couple left me with the feeling that we had all known each other for years, even though we had never met.
So, just how did I come to meet this amazing pair of gentlemen? I was in need of another couple to add content and character to the Just Love series. A very dear friend of mine called me to discuss a project on which we were collaborating. As she listened to me complain about the perils of publishing a magazine, and how you just can't count on people when you're in a pinch, yada, yada, yada, she was seriously considering my dilemma. She said that she knew of a great guy and his partner, and that she was willing to reach out to him on my behalf.
I was hopeful, so I began to search social media for his accounts. What? Everybody knows that social media is the first stop when you are searching for information on someone, Even it there are a bunch of lies, they have a point of origin. I went straight to Messenger with the info I had and sent him a message. His almost immediate reply was a pleasant surprise. Already, he seemed like a great candidate for the piece I was trying to put together. I could hardly wait to meet him.
As is customary for me, I sent a set of likely questions to the couple prior to our meeting. By the time we were face-to-face, we were so comfortable, that we rarely referred to the questions. Somehow, the conversation simply flowed. I was wondering why at first, but as the interview progressed, I understood why.
This couple is so down to earth and genuine. When you talk to them, you can't help but notice how their personalities complement each other. Frank and Dirk appear to be totally grounded in their truth. That being, their choice is exactly that. Theirs. They are happy with their decision to be true to what they always knew made them different to others.
Dirk tried to live according to societal norms, but found he was not suited for the traditional idea of a romantic duo. The day he brought home a girlfriend to whom he had proposed, was the day he understood that he had his father's acceptance and love, no matter his gender identity.
Frank was somewhat younger when he became sure of his preference for men. Still, it would be almost two decades before he revealed to his mother what he felt certain she had always known.
Coming out was not an issue for Dirk because he feels it is unnecessary to label it as such. He is very confident in who he is, and he is confident in the choice he has ultimately made. He shares a story of an attempt by a family member to out him. The family member didn't quite get what they were after.
Though some of his family members stood in denial, most of his loved ones knew his truth as well. Acceptance within his family was not as much of a challenge as that of gaining acceptance from the external community. He expressed an ongoing concern about the issue.
Frank and Dirk agree to disagree on the topic of bringing children into a same-sex relationship, and Frank explains his reasons candidly. He is a very logical thinker, so he typically weighs everything for its intrinsic value. However, he is clear about his intention to preserve a financial future for the pair.
Though he may see things a bit differently, Dirk respects the feelings of his partner, and he is very forthcoming about his tendency to need to be reigned in when it comes to spending. The honesty and authenticity of this couple was a recurring theme throughout the interview. They were so attentive to each other, it was hard to interrupt them, for fear of impairing the vibe that had so easily taken shape
In addition to his job as a retail professional, an actor, and a designer, Dirk enjoys painting.
Dirk tried to live according to societal norms, but found he was not suited for the traditional idea of a romantic duo. The day he brought home a girlfriend to whom he had proposed, was the day he understood that he had his father's acceptance and love, no matter his gender identity.
Frank was somewhat younger when he became sure of his preference for men. Still, it would be almost two decades before he revealed to his mother what he felt certain she had always known.
Coming out was not an issue for Dirk because he feels it is unnecessary to label it as such. He is very confident in who he is, and he is confident in the choice he has ultimately made. He shares a story of an attempt by a family member to out him. The family member didn't quite get what they were after.
Though some of his family members stood in denial, most of his loved ones knew his truth as well. Acceptance within his family was not as much of a challenge as that of gaining acceptance from the external community. He expressed and ongoing concern about the issue.
Frank and Dirk agree to disagree on the topic of bringing children into a same-sex relationship, and Frank explains his reasons candidly. He is a very logical thinker, so he typically weighs everything for its intrinsic value. However, he is clear about his intention to preserve a financial future for the pair.
Though he may see things a bit differently, Dirk respects the feelings of his partner, and he is very forthcoming about his tendency to need to be reined in when it comes to spending. The honesty and authenticity of this couple was a recurring theme throughout the interview. They were so attentive to each other, it was hard to interrupt them, for fear of impairing the vibe that had so easily taken shape.
There is so much more to this couple than meets the eye. They definitely have found their truth, and they continue to grow in it. They contend that finding yourself and revealing your truth is something that is a personal choice that should be carefully considered.
Noting that young people are coming out at earlier ages than they used to, owing that to their constant exposure to everything possible via social media, his concern is that those youth be educated on their right to choose so that there is no shame when the reality hits them and their loved ones later.
The Queen's Journal is proud to share this couple's story with you. These gentlemen unapologetically addressed some important issues in this interview. Don't miss the full documentary, Just Love: Why We Stay Strong, which is coming soon!
Elizabeth Thomas is the editor-in-chief and owner of Queen Things Online Magazine. She is an advocate for social justice, and her writing is a reflection of her desire to always be a change agent. You can find Elizabeth on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/dueseasonwriters, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethomasmpl/,
https://twitter.com/EssentialEme, and https://www.instagram.com/essentialeme/. You can also catch her on Ghetto Conversations: The Podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jblqUKjVD6A&t=11s