You can do things together that one can’t do alone.
Ken Smith and David Carter’s story is rooted in self creation, resilience, and chosen family. Growing up queer meant living without a roadmap. David recalls being “not your typical boy,” often feeling left out and different, which led to an isolating “figure it out yourself” existence. That experience, however, shaped a fierce independence and a deep understanding that queer people must often create their own identities without a template.
A defining moment in their journey came with the national recognition of marriage equality. When the news broke, they became one of the first couples to receive a marriage license. As adults, they realized that they had two choices: they could either remain outsiders, or they could actively build the kind of community they wanted to live in. They chose the latter.
Today, Ken and David are deeply committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who lose family or experience marginalization after coming out. For them, community becomes family. Their message to younger generations is clear and hopeful: do not let fear control you, live authentically, and express yourself freely. Through love, courage, and connection, Ken Smith and David Carter continue to create space for others to belong exactly as they are.