KIN Conversations: Kagen and Chase

We visited Kagen and Chase in Los Angeles on a slow afternoon with photographer Silas Forest. The kind of day that lends itself to honest conversation. We talk about intimacy – being seen, feeling safe, and what love looks like when it has nothing to prove.

images by Silas Forest, words by Ais Portman, in conversation with Chase and Kagen.

What does intimacy mean to you now? Has that changed over time?

Kagen: I used to think intimacy was mostly sexual. Over time it’s grown into something deeper, emotional intimacy. It’s about being understood and allowing yourself to be fully seen by someone else.

Chase: Intimacy feels like vulnerability that is met with safety. When those two things meet, it creates a bonding and comforting experience that I think of as intimacy.

When do you feel most at home with each other?

Kagen: Home feels calm and peaceful to me. Somewhere you can unwind. I feel most at home with my partner in the mundane moments. Playing together, laughing, or even just holding hands in the car can bring a sense of peace and comfort.

Chase: Home is quiet. It’s a place where I can come back and be my most raw and authentic self. My partner feels constant and steadfast to me, the way a home should.

How do you create safety with one another?

Kagen: We recognize that we both have different needs. Sometimes creating safety simply means showing up and listening without trying to fix anything. It’s also about knowing we can share thoughts or emotions without fearing the other person will leave. We’re committed to each other equally.

Chase: I try to take time to respond rather than react. Responding gives you space to think, stay calm, and be present. Safety also comes from removing fear from conversation and showing up for each other unconditionally.

What does comfort mean in your relationship?

Kagen: Comfort often shows up through touch and silence. We pay attention to how our bodies respond when we feel relaxed together. Being able to sit in silence with someone is a great measure of comfort.

Chase: Silence is a big one for me too. Sometimes all I need to feel comfort is simply being close to my partner. Even something small like three squeezes of the hand can communicate that closeness.

How does physical closeness show up in your day-to-day lives?

Kagen: It shows up in the acknowledgement of the effort it takes to stay connected.

Chase: Through sacrifice and communication. Sometimes that means accepting that we can’t be together that day, and other times it means talking openly about why we might not feel as close as we want to.

How does what you wear at home change how you feel around each other?

.Kagen: Sometimes it’s about making intentional choices with undergarments or clothing to create a special moment for the other person.

Chase: For me it’s about matching each other’s vibe. I feel most comfortable when we’re on the same level energy-wise.

What does love feel like in its simplest form?

Kagen: Safety.

Chase: Calm.