If I could go back, in all the unhappy marriages of time, in all the marriages of our Hmong generations, I would tell you:

Don’t marry her. Please don’t marry her.

Don’t marry her, if all that she embodies will only be a life sentence, and not a life blessing.

Don’t marry her, if she is not the beginning and only the end.

Don’t marry her, if years and children down later, you believe you would’ve lived a better life without her.

I think all our lives our parents have reminded us that part of “success” meant finding the one and settling down, and with the help (or not help) of relatives, we’ve heard a million renditions of what constitutes as “the one” even though often times, neither our parents nor relatives have really reached their own relationship idealisms, or more so, their idealisms do not match the standards of our new generation.

Because many of us were raised on relationship expectations that put us into boxes as “man and woman,” and as “dictating and submissive.”

And despite us running as far from it as we can, it still takes us a lifetime to shake off the examples we’ve seen in marriage and relationships.

Causing us to perhaps wonder if what we are asking for is too much, too unrealistic, and too rare.

It took a long time for me to find the words I needed. And even then, I probably still don't have all the right things to say.

"Toxic" a word I didn't want to use. Because that implies that there is something wrong with you, that you only bring harm.

And that is not the case. Because I too, am not perfect, and because you amount to more than just a label. Because you were the bestest best friend I could have ever asked for. For all the nights you were there through my most soul-wrenching cries, all the times you were there to celebrate my success, and even praise me on my failures. All the moments you never hesitated to come and save me, at any time, any where, for any reason. Thank you. For all the love I will never forget.

For the love, vision, and real stories behind this film, I wanted to commemorate the first anniversary since its release by honoring all the people who have been apart of the leap of faith I once took.

Honoring people because; taboo does not only consist of the two involved, but the many people around them.

'Leap of faith' because; I truly believe taboo is the greatest test to see who truly loves us unconditionally. Who will still be there when society can no longer read you as a valid member. And whether or not, you truly love yourself, to build the world you believe in, even if the world does not want you.

For all the couples who cannot publicly celebrate today...taboo couples, couples in hiding, couples who cannot speak of their existence: I hope you celebrate your love proudly and fully today. For the beautiful unification that you are, the ability to love beyond society’s norms; be it gender, race, social status, disapproval, or last name; the capacity to pave paths unwalked, and the belief in something greater than eyes know.

To heal through my breakup, I did a variety of research; to dismantle my experience and understand a world outside mine. One of them, was to learn of heartbreaks other than mine, to see amazing people survive out of these dark times. Dark times that were even darker than mine; because someone will always have it worse. I found my way to befriending Hmong women of all ages, of all stories. Stories that were always sad and pitiful, until after my heartbreak, were now heart-shattering, gut-wrenching, and real. So painfully real. Although my words won't do them justice, may I please write this one for them.