Finding Queer Love at Work – Emily & Shannon
Shannon (they/them) and Emily (she/her) met at their place of work, a craft brewery located in New York’s lower Hudson Valley, The Drowned Lands. Emily walked in to apply for a position as a bartender, and Shannon was so impressed as Emily was the only applicant to come to the location in person, she was hired right away.
While Shannon and Emily became friends as well as coworkers, Shannon knew pretty soon that they had feelings for Emily, but wanted to wait for the right moment to let her know.
It was a Christmas party for staff and friends, almost a year after Emily was hired, that Shannon made their move.
Joyously, the feelings were completely reciprocated.
The two fell hard and have stayed there ever since. Together, they share their love for cats, good beer, motorcycles, and thrifting. Shannon loves Emily’s stunning eyes, while Emily loves Shannon’s selflessness, compassion, and deep love for others.
Their chemistry and love or each other radiates effortlessly.
What is your favorite memory together?
Shannon– My favorite memory with Emily is picking up our two kittens together. We drove an hour to the rescue centre, and they had us “bond” with the kittens, which essentially was us holding them by the back of their necks and pressing their faces on ours… kinda strange but also pretty cute.
Emily– One of my favorite memories together is finding Shannon’s bike in a little motorcycle cafe in Hudson, NY. I loved seeing the excitement on Shannon’s face when we came across the bike of their dreams. It was a really special and perfect thing to come across.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome together?
Our biggest challenge was learning from each other’s anxieties and being able to comfort effectively, and trying not to be selfish in those moments.
Tell us your favorite thing about one another.
Shannon– My favorite thing about Emily is her selflessness. She’s always more concerned with everyone else’s happiness, and she doesn’t have a mean bone in her.
Emily– My favorite thing about Shannon is how creative and hardworking they are. They are good at every new thing they try and always put others before themself.
Photography by Kathleen Whittemore Photography