To view more photographs, go to our Facebook page www.Facebook.com/PINKSocial Please note: Alex is on L, and Cheri is on the R (in all the photos).

by David Cohen

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry” is one of the most meaningful line ever said about love in any blockbuster movie. In the1970 film Love Story, Ali MacGraw made us wonder what it all means, but to Cheri Giacomi and her partner Alex Ivelic, it means twenty-two years of affection, kindness, compassion and emotions they share with each other over the years.

Now in their late 40′s, their love is just as young as it was on the first day they met. Still passionate and in lust, the two don’t hide their desire for intimacy. You wonder what is the secret to their continuous love and affection?

For Cheri the ability to laugh together with Alex every single day is a necessity for  their love to stay young and strong.  To Alex the simple little things you do everyday with your partner,  are just as important as laughter. “There’s not a week that goes by that we don’t give each other a card, or tell each other I love you, you’re the one for me.” Every person in any relationship should declare their love to each other every single day. The words “I love you” should be used more often and not only on Valentine’s Day. For Alex and Cheri Valentine’s Day is celebrated every single day of the year.

Twenty-two years ago in a gay club at Melrose Park in Illinois, Alex at 104 pound wearing tight  Spandex outfit noticed Cheri’s long brown hair, her white cowboy booths, white jeans and the white shirt with an open back. All she knew, there was a beautiful girl dancing on the dance floor. Alex was determined to get this girl to dance with her before the night is over.  At the end it was Cheri the twenty-two year old woman, who lured Alex into the dancing floor and captured her hart forever.

With the approval and legalization of Civil Union in Illinois, Alex and Cheri decided to get married for the second time. On June 17, 2011, they announced their love and commitment to each other at Chicago’s City Hall. After the wedding ceremony, Alex and Cheri were heading to  Mexico for their honeymoon. They knew how special and meaningful this trip was. They went back to the Riviera Maya Hotel, the place where they tied the knot for the first time in 2009.  Although getting married in Mexico didn’t mean anything legally, it meant a lot to the emotional Cheri. She is the one  who always believed in the institution of marriage regardless of what the sexual orientation is.

Alex the back bone in this relationship managed to surprise Cheri, and give her the best gift she ever gotten–a marriage. With the help of Cherie’s mother, Alex was able to hide the wedding ring she bough in Chicago for Cherie. She was planning a special vacation to Mexico, where the couple were to be wed for the first time.

With Cheri’s mom approval and blessing, Alex planned this trip to be a surprised wedding celebration. Cherie did not have a clue until the moment Alex got on her knees, and asked for her hand in marriage. At 2 o’clock in the morning, in their hotel room at the Riviera Maya, Alex finally proposed.  Astonished, surprised and chocked, Cherie couldn’t believe her own eyes. It took her about twenty-seconds to realize what was going on, and finally she said the words “I DO.” Touched by the idea of marrying her beloved woman, her best friend, lover and partner, Cherie couldn’t stop crying for days. She was crying out of happiness, she was crying for the unconditional love she had for the woman she loves. Although the non stoping crying became annoying, Alex never said a word. Theses days taught them the full meaning of love. They have learn to except each other the way they are, they learned what unconditional love means. They finally realized and understood the true meaning of what “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” is all about.

Last year on Friday, September 16, 2011, PINK named Cheri Giacomi and her partner Alex Ivelic as the lucky couple to win the title “PINK’s Favorite Couple”  in the “Marry Me PINK” contest for 2011. This contest took place on August 13-14, 2011, during the North Halsted Market Days Street Festival in Chicago. The lucky couple won a two night get-away, to the upscale Belvedere Inn in Saugatuck Michigan,  courtesy of owners Sean and Peter.

—————————–

by David Cohen – Publisher
Today is a special day for the LGBT community in the USA. In a monumental decision today, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in California ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. I would like to share with you the readers,  few of the emails I received  today from some of the leaders in our community.

From: Bernard Cherkasov, Chief Executive Officer of Equality Illinois
The inexorable march to full marriage equality achieved a significant milestone with the historic ruling that Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution. The court’s gratifying decision makes a clear statement that marriage equality is a fundamental freedom. This victory, if upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, will restore full marriage equality in California, the nation’s largest state, and add to the pressure in Illinois and elsewhere in the country to end marriage discrimination. In addition to the dignity and respect marriage equality grants loving and committed couples, it ensures security and critical safety net protections for all married couples and their families.

While we support the implementation of civil unions in Illinois in 2011, it still falls short of achieving full marriage equality on the state level and does little to guarantee the federal rights and privileges that marriage provides opposite-sex couples. With this ruling, political leaders who support full equality will have important arguments to share with state legislators who will inevitably be asked to vote on full marriage rights in the future.

Lawmakers need not wait for the ultimate disposition of the California case and other legal rulings to do the right thing in Springfield and Washington, D.C. to end marriage discrimination. We will continue to fight for equality on every level and could not do it without YOU. Thank you!

From: NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq.
Today, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the August 2010 decision of the U.S. District Court in San Francisco striking down Proposition 8, the 2008 measure that stripped same-sex couples of the right to marry in California. The Court affirmed the ruling of former Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker that Prop 8 discriminates against same-sex couples in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The court also rejected Prop 8 supporters’ offensive argument that Judge Walker should have refused to preside over the case because he is gay and in a relationship with a man.

The court ruled that Proposition 8 violates the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution because it “serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.”

The supporters of Prop 8 have 15 days to ask the Ninth Circuit panel to reconsider its decision or to ask for reconsideration by a larger panel of judges on that court. Alternatively, they have 90 days to request that the Supreme Court of the United States review the case. NCLR, Lambda Legal, ACLU of Northern California, and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed an amicus brief urging the court to affirm Judge Walker’s decision

From: Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy.
Today’s decision by the 9th Circuit declaring that California’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution is good for marriage, it is good for religion and it is good for the people of California.  How the government defines marriage must be rooted in the Constitution – as is this decision.  Doing so in no way inhibits the right of a church or other house of worship to base its definition on religious doctrine.

To the religious institutions that would attempt to redefine the inherent concept of religious freedom by arguing that today’s ruling somehow diminishes religious freedom, Interfaith Alliance holds that in fact, the ruling makes very clear that legalizing same sex marriage has no impact whatsoever on religious freedom.  A church that opposes same sex marriage is under no more legal pressure to perform such unions now than it was before the ruling.  In fact, no religion would ever be required to condone same-gender marriage, and no member of the clergy would ever be required to perform a wedding ceremony not in accordance with his or her religious beliefs.  While I hope that those who oppose same sex marriage will eventually change their position, they are under no legal requirement to do so, but neither should they stand in the way of those of us who embrace marriage equality.

While we are sure that supporters of Proposition 8 will appeal the ruling, we hope today’s decision will be upheld, enshrining marriage equality for same-sex couples in the State of California – and paving the way for the rest of the country to follow its lead.

From: Joe Solmonese, President Human Rights Campaign.
This monumental decision affirms what we all know to be true – our Constitution exists to protect the basic civil rights of all Americans – gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

Prop. 8 does nothing to strengthen or protect any marriage. Instead, it singles out thousands of loving California families for different treatment, simply because they are gay and lesbian couples. The Ninth Circuit ruled on the right side of history by recognizing that our Constitution cannot tolerate such egregious discrimination.
Their move upholds a lower court’s decision that anti-gay bigotry was behind Prop. 8, the hateful law that denied gay and lesbian Californians the freedom to marry.

Here’s what the Court said in its decision: Prop. 8 “served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationship and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.”

The path ahead may still be long, but this case has helped propel the fight for marriage equality forward. And as the struggle continues in courtrooms and statehouses, we’ll all know the power behind it is driven by devoted supporters like you. The fight goes on, and I can’t thank you enough for being a part of this extraordinary movement.

________________________________

by David Cohen

As a gay man I believe that we should support our own especially in the courtroom. Gay candidate Brad Trowbridge a democrat, is running for a judge in Cook county in the 8th judicial sub-circuit and he needs your vote and support. The real reason you should help and vote for Brad is because of who he is as a person, and for what he stands for, his qualifications and experience.

Having two jobs one as a social worker, and the second as an attorney Brad is used to working hard. For many years Brad worked with disadvantaged people from all walks of life: minority teen mothers, people with HIV/AIDS, and seniors living in poverty, he made many visits to places like Cabrini-Green and the Lathrop Homes.  ”I believe my experience makes me uniquely qualified to sit on the bench.  My life and professional experiences are far broader than just within the legal system.”

A an attorney, in the last 11 years Brad focused on helping victims of domestic violence. He also help their children to escape abusive situations.  He spent thousands of hours at the courtroom and gained experience as he represented over 500 victims of domestic violence in obtaining orders of protection, dissolutions of marriage, child support and custody of their children.

“I am running for judge because I believe we need more judges who understand the complexities of life and human relationships,” said Brad in a recent interview with PINK. He wants to help people because “people are not treated fairly or with respect in the judicial system,” and that’s why we should vote for Brad who wants to change the bad experiences many people have at the courthouse.

And now to the gay questions:

PINK: Where were you born and when did you come out?

Brad: I was born in central Illinois…Jacksonville, IL….a town of 19,000, and I’m the only child. I came out to my first friend when I was 22. I didn’t come out to my family until much later. I was scared to death. I thought my friends and family would disown me. It was the mid-80s, a very different time for gay people. We were also dealing with the AIDS epidemic and the homophobia that was connected to that.

I hope you will support Brad and vote for him on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. To learn more about Brad visit his website www.bradforjudge.com.

———————-

by David Cohen

One of the greatest TV comedies of the 20^th century celebrated last night the 20th Anniversary Special of Absolutely Fabulous and aired on BBC America and Logo TV channels.

The plans for a 20th anniversary revival includes three new episodes.  The first episode ran last night Sunday, January 8th with the second episode planned to air sometimes in spring 2012, and the third and final special is set to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics.

This British sitcom was created and written by Jennifer Saunders, who plays the leading character Edina Monsoon (Eddy), a heavy-drinking, drug-abusing PR agent who desperately attempt to stay young and “hip.”  Joanna Lumley in the role of Patsy Stone, is Eddy’s best friend, whose drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and promiscuity far exceeded Eddy’s comparatively mild self-destructive behavior.

These two high-powered London career women use their financial freedom to lead dysfunctional lifestyle of pill-popping, alcohol drinking and chain-smoking cigarettes, captured the hearts of millions viewers all around the world. With superb writing, great casting and directing, Absolutely Fabulous became an overnight success and inspired many of us in our own lives.

This codependent relationship between the two women made us fall in love with their wacky personalities, while we accepted them for the way they are and identified with their personal crisis.  We learned to forgive them for their bad habits that made us laugh so many times over the last twenty years. Eddy and Patsy instantly became one of our favorites TV duos of all times.

The first episode was not a reunion or a come back. It just was another day in the life of Eddy and Patsy the crazy middle-age women who refuse to come to terms with real life.

It is hard to believe what happened to the last twenty years by looking at both women who still look great.  Eddy and Pasty are still amazing, and they will always be absolutely fabulous!

———————————————–

The new Issue is OUT, and it’s everywhere!

With the winter holidays upon us, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a warm and happy holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!

During this wonderful season, it is important to realize how fortunate we are, while also remembering those less fortunate who are in need of our help. Please consider donating or volunteering at a local charity and helping someone who may really need it. Check with your local organizations to see where you can help!  This holiday season should be about The Joy of Giving which is also the title of PINK’s ultimate Gift Guide for 2011.

To begin your holiday season, Donny and Marie Osmond will be together in Chicago for the first time to share their holiday traditions and spirit. This is a once in a lifetime chance–an opportunity that no one should miss!

I had the pleasure of meeting Catie Curtis, the lesbian folk-rock singer, last August during Market Days. She helped make PINK’s event “Marry Me PINK” a huge success! During her visit to Chicago, Catie showed me what an amazing person she is. She impressed me with what she stands for, her real-life attitudes, and the creativity and impactful music she creates. My joyful experience with Catie is the one I want to share with all of you.

That same month, I had the privilege of meeting one of the most genuine and giving people, the heterosexual rugby star Mr. Ben Cohen. Ben has recently retired from rugby and has devoted his life to helping gay people fight bullying all over the world. Writer Aaron Brost, who spent many days with Ben during his visit to Chicago, shares his experiences with Ben in his story “Stand Up and Give!”

Canadian photographer and filmmaker Pierre Simard discovered a new talent last May in Montréal–model Maurice Servant, aka Jordan. This new superstar definitely deserves your attention, so check it out.

As always visit our website, www.PINKmag.com. Sign up to receive more information and updates via our weekly e-mail blast “The PINKSpot.” Check out our weekly cov- erage via video clips entitled “PINKinMotion”—our new way of bringing you our information daily! Finally, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter.

May the New Year bring us all happiness, health and prosperity, especially for those in need!

On Monday, October 17th, the Maryland Legislature will return to Annapolis for a brief special legislative session. Once again they need the support of Pro-Equality Catholics. “We have a rare opportunity as Catholics to meet with our legislators before the regular session early next year. We will take every opportunity to let our legislators know that as Catholics we stand up for all Maryland families, including families of loving gay and lesbian couples, of which are strengthened through marriage equality” said Manley P Calhoun, III, who has the State Chair.

And they will not be alone! They will be joined by supporters of all our Marriage Equality Coalition partners. They are meeting in Annapolis to talk with legislators face to face about why civil marriage equality matters. “Don’t underestimate the need to lend your voice. If you’ve never talked with your elected official before, don’t worry, we’ll train you and pair you with a pro. If you have, you know the importance of speaking to legislators in person about what matters to you” said Calhoum.

If you are Catholic or formerly Catholic, but raised Catholic, and you support marriage equality,  your voice will make a difference in Annapolis. Please join them at the State House for this important policy event. 

Marriage Equality Special Session Lobby Day • Monday, October 17, 2011

10:00 AM • Lawyers Mall • 100 State Circle • Annapolis, MD 21401

THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!  Please RSVP Today!

Source: Catholics for Equality at www.catholicsforequality.org. Photos: on the right Manley P. Calhoun, III, State Chair

Above: PINK’s Favorite Couple, Cheri Giacomi and her partner Alex Ivelic,  winners of the Marry Me PINK 2011 contest. Photo by Rick Aquilar Studio

Last Friday, September 16, 2011, PINK named Cheri Giacomi and her partner Alex Ivelic, as the lucky couple to win the title “PINK’s Favorite Couple”  in the “Marry Me PINK” contest for 2011. The winners won a two night get-away at the Belvedere Inn, in Saugatuck, Michigan, courtesy of owners Sean and Peter.

The Marry Me PINK promotion which included the VIP PINK Party and the Marry Me PINK Contest super-exceed every expectation we had in mind. We collected over ten thousands new e-mails, and we received many compliments on the editorial content of the last two issue, Market Days and Gay Pride 2011. Readers love the Q and A with Leslie Jordan. To read more about my interview with Leasie go to www.PINKmag.com/theatre-blog.php.

I would like to thank all the people who helped us make the “Marry Me PINK” promotion a huge success. And for all of that I’m grateful and thankful.

This year during Market Days 2011, couples took their pictures at PINK’s booth in support of Gay Mariages and Civil Unions. Please help PINK choose the “Favorite Couple.” Let us know who is your favorite couple by September 9, 2011.

Your vote is important to us, e-mail your vote to: MarryMe@pinkmag.com, and don’t forget to include the couple’s number in your vote.

The winning couple will win a two night stay at the Belvedere Inn, in Saugatuck, Michigan.

The Belvedere Inn is a popular venue for wedding receptions and private functions throughout the year. The Inn is sought out as a romantic getaway for those just seeking private time together.  Owners Sean and Peter will always make your stay enjoyable.  For more information, go to  www.thebelvedereinn.com.

Five subscribers will win a $20.00 gift certificate to any of the Phil Stefanie signature restaurants.  www.stefanirestaurants.com.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS
We posted photos of our 26 finalists here on our website, and on https://www.facebook.com/PINKsocial.  Each couple received a number which identify them as a couple.  The more votes they receive, the more chances they will have to move into the second round.  Deadlines for the first round is September 9, 2011.
ONLY ten couples with the most votes, will move into the second round.  In the second round, PINK will email each couple 5 different questions composed by PINK’s panel of five judges to include PINK publisher Mr. David Cohen, lesbian icon rock singer Catie Curtis, Illinois 12th District State Rep Sara Feigenholtz,  owner of Ro-Bro Marketing and PR Aaron Brost, and Katie Mehrtens, owner of The Right Spot Pet Massage. The judges will vote for the final 3 couples to move into the final round.
The three finalists will be asked one more question by the 5 judges and then they will vote for the winner.
The winner couple will be announced September 26, 2011 on www.PINKMAG.com/publisher.php.

Photos by Rick Aguilar Studios • www.rickarguilar.com.

by David Cohen, Publisher

Join PINK Magazine and folk-rock lesbian icon Catie Curtis, for the VIP PARTY “MARRY ME PINK.” Help us celebrate the fight and legalization of Civil Unions and Gay Marriages in Illinois and New York states.

In her new album “Stretch Limousine on Fire,” Catie made the song entitled “Wedding Band“ available to all PINK readers as a free download on her site www.catiecurtis.com. As a big supporter of  gay marriages, Catie made this available until the release of the new album, on Aug. 30, 2011.

Menu Sponsors: Cuban specialties by Yuca Café, Organic Chocolate Brownies by Drew’s Eatery, Chocolate treats by the Sweet Margie.  Bar Sponsors: EC CHARRO the new natural favored tequila, Devotion Vodka infused with Casein, and Robert Mondavi wines.  The first 100 people to RSVP at: VIPParty@pinkmag.com, will receive our famous Gift Bags full of goodies.

Friday, August 12, 2011.  From 6-9 p.m., at  Yuca Cafe, 2257 W North Avenue 773.227.660.

$10 donations or more, to benefit the Softball World Series.

__________________

The “Marry Me PINK”  Extravagaza continues at Market Days. Aug, 13-14.

Our theme for Market Days, “Marry Me PINK” carries this message loud and clear.

Help us stand tall and show the world what gay power means!  Come and get “married”,  and help us make a huge statement at our PINK booth.

All taken photographs by Rick Aguilar Studios and PINK staff, will be placed on our website and on our Facebook page.  Our readers and selected judges including Ms. Curtis, PINK’s Publisher Mr. Cohen,  President of Ro-Bro Marketing & Public Relations, Inc., Mr. Aaron Brost, and more.

Our “Favorite Couple” winners will receive many wedding goodies from our advertisers and a Two days get-a-way, at The Bevedere Inn in Michigan.

We thank our sponsors and we ask you to support them when you out there shopping !