Porsha Williams introduces her new girlfriend
Porsha Williams has stepped into a new chapter of her personal life with an unexpected revelation. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 44, made her relationship with girlfriend Patrice “Sway” McKinney public through an Instagram birthday tribute that captured attention across social media.
The Friday evening post featured a warm message celebrating McKinney’s birthday, expressing hopes that the year ahead brings everything she wants and more. Williams added a playful note about their upcoming Saturday plans, signaling the comfortable dynamic between the pair.
The carousel of photos and videos told its own story. Images showed the couple embracing in front of an elaborate Christmas tree setup, while videos captured them dancing together at a club. The moments shared offered a glimpse into the genuine connection they’ve built away from public scrutiny.
A fresh start after divorce
This marks Williams’ first public relationship since finalizing her divorce from Simon Guobadia in June. She had filed for divorce in February 2024, ending their marriage just 15 months after wedding the Nigerian entrepreneur. The separation represented a turning point for the reality star, who committed to approaching her personal life differently moving forward.
McKinney brings her own accomplishments to the relationship as the founder of Encore Salon Suites in Atlanta. The entrepreneur maintains a lower public profile than Williams’ previous partners, creating space for a connection built on different foundations than what came before.
Opening up to new possibilities
Williams had previously discussed her dating life during an October appearance at Culture Con. She revealed she was connecting with two people, a man and a woman, and had narrowed her focus to both of them. She spoke positively about each person, emphasizing her intention to find normal, grounded individuals as she reentered the dating world.
The reality star shared insights from her therapy sessions, acknowledging the challenge of opening up to healthier relationship patterns. She noted that the people she was dating were asking meaningful questions, maintaining their boundaries and refusing to rush into anything superficial. This approach felt unfamiliar compared to past experiences, where manipulation and love bombing had created false comfort.
Breaking old patterns
Williams recognized that these new connections were challenging her in productive ways. Rather than encountering people who mirrored her or did whatever necessary to secure a relationship, she was meeting individuals with their own sense of self. The experience required her to examine her own patterns and consider what genuine connection actually looks like.
She acknowledged the need to soften her approach and allow vulnerability despite the discomfort it brought. Williams understood that wanting different results meant being willing to show up differently herself.
Choosing healing over rushing
In June, Williams had told interviewers she wouldn’t date again until feeling truly ready. She expressed her commitment to being alone until achieving a sense of wholeness, determined not to repeat past mistakes. The decision reflected a maturity about relationship dynamics that many struggle to reach.
During that same conversation, she had considered the possibility of being involved with a woman romantically. Williams spoke candidly about the post-breakup period when trust in others feels impossible. She wondered aloud about whether a relationship with a woman might offer something different, acknowledging she wasn’t there yet but remained open to where her journey might lead.
Moving forward with intention
The public confirmation of her relationship with McKinney suggests Williams has found what she was searching for. The birthday tribute carried an ease and authenticity that stood apart from the performative nature of some celebrity relationship announcements. Instead of grand declarations, Williams offered simple affection and excitement about their time together.
The response from fans and followers has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many celebrating Williams’ transparency about her journey. Her willingness to share both the struggles and joys of navigating new relationship territory has resonated with people facing similar transitions in their own lives.
As Williams continues building this new connection, she does so with the self-awareness gained through therapy and reflection. Whether with McKinney or in future relationships, she’s demonstrated a commitment to breaking cycles and choosing partners who challenge her to grow rather than enabling old patterns.
For now, the reality star appears content celebrating life’s moments with someone who brings joy rather than chaos. The transformation from her previous relationship to this one speaks to the power of intentional healing and the courage required to pursue authentic connection.
