Plans Brewing for 2012

Organizers behind Chicago's first gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight couples ball are starting to gear up for the return of the event in the spring of 2012. Anyone interested in being a part of the planning or to attend as a celebrant couple is asked to e-mail event coordinator, Angel Abcede at AngelChgo@aol.com.

Our Anniversary Ball 2010

Angel and Bob--25 years

Their first drive together was in a Chrysler Cordova with "fine Corinthian leather" and during their first dinner together had a discussion about one being a dancer and the other being an opera singer. Six cats later, the two are busy cleaning up hairballs and litter, wondering who's really in charge.

Joel and Craig -- 12 years

Who knew a rose and a veggie steamer would be all that was needed to win your future partner's heart? Joel and Craig--12 years later--look back at their first few dinners together with fondness and at the same time, celebrate the 37th year of the Joel Hall Dancers, one of the country's premiere dance-concert companies and training centers.

Arlene and Ruben--20 years

Whether it's her newfound passion for reflexology or his decision to pick up the guitar and teach himself how to play, Arlene and Ruben have figured out that allowing each other to be who they want to be is a secret to their 20 years of togetherness. Along with their daughter Crystal, the family enjoys artful lives that include music, dance and graphic design.

John and Bill--12 years

Are you a Curly fan? Bill isn't. He's a Shemp man all the way. But one indication that Bill and John were meant to be together was an obscure Three Stooges reference. After meeting at Cocktails on Halsted Street, John and Bill, having just met, were making their way to another bar when they saw a pipe coming out of the wall of a bank building. "That's a hunk of pipe," John said. For Bill a bell rang, as John had just uttered an obscure Shemp line--not Curly--but Shemp. "That was a big indicator for me," Bill says, to which John adds that "a mutual sense of humor" is a big sign.

Carl and Patrick--2 years

Having honeymooned in Hawaii, Carl and Patrick legally tied the knot in the frenzy that was San Francisco just as California was about to strike down its same-sex marriage law. But legal has nothing to do with their bond as lifelong partners. The two have their eyes set on starting a family through adoption and eagerly await what their future brings.