Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Steam Up the Cover of Out Magazine’s Love Issue

Broadway and TV star Neil Patrick Harris and his longtime partner David Burtka share their love story in photos and words as part of Out Magazine’s second annual February love issue, which highlights 13 LGBT couples and families. The pair grace the issue's cover and are featured in the accompanying photo spread, which also includes Tony winner Denis O’Hare and Hugo Redwood, and Tony-winning choreographer Bill T. Jones and Bjorn Amelan.

In their article, Harris and Burtka separately tell the story of their relationship. Harris recalls how he and Burtka progressed from a chance meeting through a friend to a closer encounter at an American Idol viewing party. Burtka remembers meeting Harris while both starring in Sam Mendes-helmed Broadway productions.

Harris writes, “David first proposed to me five years ago on the actual street corner where we met,” and a year later Harris proposed to Burtka. “That was four years ago,” he continues. “I’m dying to move [the ring] over to the other hand. I’d also like to call him my husband. I’m not the biggest fan of the word 'partner': It either means that we run a business together or we’re cowboys. 'Boyfriend' seems fleeting, like maybe we met two weeks ago. I’ve been saying 'better half' for as long as I’ve been able to. I think it’s a little self-deprecating and clearly defines that we’re in a relationship, but it would be nice to say 'my husband.'”

The pair, who welcomed twins Gideon and Harper to their family in October of 2010, made waves in the media world last June, when they shared the news of their long-standing engagement with fans via Twitter. The conversation started after New York State senate passed the Marriage Equality Bill, and the pair was quick to quash the instantaneous rumors of an impending wedding.

Click here to read more intimate details from this theatrical power couple.