Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts make history as first same-sex couple to grace 'Essence' cover

ROBERT ECTOR/ESSENCE

Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts are making history as the first same-sex couple to grace the cover of Essence magazine. 

Nash, 52, and Betts, 39, who wed in 2020, appear on the March/April cover of magazine topless as they lovingly gaze at each others’ faces. Now, the two are opening up about the historic cover and the powerful message behind it. 

“What I am hoping happens with our cover is that it will normalize people just loving who they love and not having to explain it or defend it but just do it,” Nash told Entertainment Tonight on Thursday.

Betts shared the same