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.

Lora and Simone--5 years

Though they met casually before being co-workers, the time together during the day eventually grew into what is now a five-year companionship. From their love a family ignited, starting with a dog and a cat but eventually encompassing the birth of their daughter who is already a year-and-a-half. The growing family looks forward to their happy future together.

Asians and Friends Chicago--25 Years

The anniversary of GLBT and straight couples is not the only celebration going on for May 7, as Asians and Friends Chicago will also join the festivities to celebrate its 25th anniversary year. The group engages in social events for gay men of Asian decent as well as those interested in Asian cultures. It most recently held its annual Chinese New Year's dinner and holds dim sum and mahjong gatherings on a monthly basis.

Angela and Tom -- 25 years

Though the particulars of their first meeting at Beaumont's on Halsted are areas of contention, the truth of 25 years and two children later is a happy tug of war for Angel and Tom. She remembers both of them were with a group of friends and she "called dibs" on Tom. He remembers the mutual attraction and how early into the relationship he really felt that marriage was in the cards.