COVER - Corey O'Brien & Ryan Russell Embody Love
In a time when the country feels so divided, Corey O'Brien & Ryan Russell’s love solidifies to me how love can heal all. These two very unique men found each other during a time they didn’t think they were even interested in a relationship, but were so charming that they couldn’t get enough of each other. A year later, they are stronger than ever, supporting each other in the midst of 2020 chaos, celebrating sobriety, going to Black Lives Matter protests, and creating a YouTube Channel to celebrate their love and individuality. To learn about one of 2020’s cutest couples, please read further.
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Foreword by Kira Bucca, Editor in Chief of Jejune Magazine.
Where are you based?
Corey & Ryan: We are based in Los Angeles, CA.
How did you initially get interested in dancing? When did you start to seriously pursue being a dancer?
Corey: I was always putting on performances for my family when I was young and started performing in local musicals at 11 years old. I fell in love with the dance aspect of it and started taking it serious early on. I knew instantly dance was what I wanted to pursue and I was not going to let anything stand in the way of that. It was the first time where I was able to truly express myself without saying a word and that was an incredible feeling that I kept going back to.
Can you tell us a little bit about your experience being on Rupaul's Drag Race?
Corey: Rupaul’s Drag Race was such an incredible experience. Rupaul is professional, kind and inspiring, so it was an honor to dance next to someone who has been such a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. When I was on stage looking out into the audience, I was instantly brought back to my childhood and realized everything I dreamed of was my reality and it was such a surreal moment for me.
Jejune is clearly smitten with your relationship to Dallas Cowboys defensive end, Ryan Kamey Russell? How did you two meet? How long have you been together?
Corey: We met a little over a year ago on a dating app. I don’t think we were both looking for a relationship at that time, but everything happened so organically. We really started opening up to one another and everything really just took off from there. We didn’t rush into labeling what we were or trying to force anything that wasn’t there - the connection was just so strong and really took off on its own.
Ryan: I was very persistent about meeting in person because I felt I had the best chance of winning him over with my face to face charm, and I couldn't get him out of my mind. After our first coffee meet up, where we spoke for quite some time about sobriety, dating in LA, being in the closet, professional sports, dance, and family, we didn't spend many more days apart. We've been together for over a year, and thinking about that first coffee date still makes me smile.
You've also started a joint YouTube Channel with Ryan mid 2019 and have already amassed 15.7k subscribers and over 800k views total as of August 10, 2020 . What are your plans for the channel? How do you guys settle on post worthy content? What is the creative process like?
Corey: We have some really exciting plans for the channel. We spent time during quarantine talking about how we want to approach it in our second year of doing it and really coming up with some creative and artistic ways of showing who we are as a couple, but also as individuals. We have a great creative team around us that helps with ideas and we interact with our subscribers to hear what they would like to see. The past year has really just been us filming our experiences and real moments of us getting to know one another, but going into our second year of YouTube, we have some new things that we cannot wait to share.
Ryan: We want our channel to represent us both as individuals and as a couple, highlighting our talents and the lessons we've learned. We also wanted to create a safe community where people can be accepted, welcomed and loved. We love to dance, poetry, athletics, and each other, so we try hard to make our channel reflect that. We aren't into pranks or anything that could invite chaos into our relationship.
June was a pretty insane month, with it being Pride Month, but also everything happening with Black Lives Matter. Can you tell us a little bit about how you both survived June 2020?
Ryan: We definitely took our time to care for ourselves amidst all the chaos. With the murder of George Floyd and so many other black people, I went through a bit of a depressive state. To watch such candid videos of people getting murdered and the casualty in which the police force ends black lives is traumatizing to watch, see, read, and live with as a black man. We took a short vacation to Scottsdale, Arizona, to recoup, and as soon as we got back, we went to a BLM protest and started doing all we could with our platform, resources, and knowledge to fight for equality. There is still a lot of work to be done to end racism. Yes, we survived, but George Floyd and so many countless others did not. We need to fight for them.
Corey: I was spending a lot of time educating myself, having conversations with Ryan and figuring out what I could do to help. Ryan and I went to a BLM protest to stand in solidarity with everyone fighting against racism and we began turning our social media platforms into a place to find resources, ways to help and giving space to voices that desperately needed to be heard. The fight is not over, but we’re not tired of fighting for what is right.
In a lot of ways, your relationship really symbolizes the idea of “Love is Love”. What type of responses do you get to your relationship?
Corey: The response has been supportive, loving and caring from so many. If we receive anything remotely negative, I don’t pay any attention to it. If you are going to judge someone else’s love or happiness, it says more about you than me.
Ryan: Honestly, I’m not sure. From our family and friends, we get all the support, and that's what matters. Our followers on Youtube and social media have always been very supportive, but it's more important how we feel about it and each other when it comes to our relationship. We protect our relationship as much as possible because whether the world has something positive or negative to say about us, they aren't in our relationship. We know what our relationship means to us, and that's huge. We have a love that transcends race or sex. We see each other and love each other for our character and the wholeness of our soul. America could stand to do that more.
The NFL is not known for being very inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. What was it like for Ryan coming out?
Ryan: Coming out was about more than just my career. It was about my happiness, so I couldn't let the fear of backlash hold me back from living my truth. At the end of the day, I had one of two choices, half-truth, half-lies, and empty life, or a life full of truth and love. I made the right decision.
Jejune loves that you two were out protesting with the Black Lives Matter movement. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience?
Corey & Ryan: Leading up to going to the protest, we were upset and fed up with the lack of consideration for Black lives. The news, social media, everyone was talking about theses dark times and, in that moment, we were truly doubtful about the state of our “great” nation. Nevertheless, after actually attending the protest and seeing all the people who were willing to fight for Black lives, we felt inspired. We saw hope in the actions of many people who were of different generations, races, and sexualities. It was an empowering moment, but the work and the mission are not yet done.
As a man in a mixed race relationship, what are your thoughts on the current state of policing in America?
Corey: Defund the police. If someone you loved was having a panic attack, would you seek advice from the police or a mental health physician? I believe shifting the funding that is given to police officers to organizations or professionals that are better equipped is exactly what needs to be done.
Ryan: Regardless of our age, race, sex, gender, or past, it is not the police officer's job to murder someone. If reform is possible, do it. If defunding the police and allocating jobs to those more suited to deal with certain situations like mental health issues, or addictions, then I'm all for it. Suppose the abolishment of the police force is necessary to ensure ALL of us' safety, then don't hesitate.
It seems that the protests have calmed down some. How would you like to see the movement continue on?
Ryan: I would like to see change, real change, and right now. I'm personally focused on a change of presidency.
Corey: I second what Ryan said — I want positive and life-long changes. One of the steps in the right direction is making sure you vote.
You recently came out in OUT Magazine about your struggle with addiction. Can you tell us a little bit about this experience?
Corey: I always wanted to share my story about addiction because ultimately it is a story of hope and recovery. I know many people suffer in silence and I wanted to be a voice of inspiration for those, especially during these trying times.
You've used your journey towards sobriety to highlight the voices of others on your "Isolated in Sobriety", Instagram live series. What were some teachable moments from your series?
Corey: That addiction does not discriminate. When we are open and honest about our experiences, we are helping end the stigma surrounding addiction.
COVID has had a horrible impact on mental health and, consequently, increased alcohol consumption and excessive drinking. How have you remained positive and sober during the quarantine?
Corey: For me, I know if I were to ever go back to drinking or using, nothing good would come from it. Everything I have in my life today is because of my sobriety and the most important thing to me is my mental state and protecting what I’ve worked so hard for.
What is your motto in life?
Corey: One day at a time.
To learn more about Corey and Ryan, please follow them via the below platforms:
Corey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corey_obrien/?hl=en
Corey’s TikTok: @corey_obrien
Corey & Russ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfY3Tv5v3bbUBvYdz4ZSrw
Team Credits:
Photographer: Ted Sun
Stylist: Quentin Fears
Groomer: Keon Cruz
Retouch: Crystal Retouch
