Captivating Couples, Queer Women We Love

America’s Most Captivating Couples 2009, Part I

February 6, 2009 Corinne Werder

Portia & Ellen

Beverly Hills, California
Portia, 36, Actress
Ellen, 51, Comedienne, Talk show host

Married in 2008, Ellen and Portia have inspired us with their public relationship and celesbian chic. Their tabloid-worthy marriage and vocal opposition to California’s Prop. 8 caught our attention last year, and we just couldn’t resist giving them a second run as one of our most captivating couples. “We’ve both changed and grown, and we just feel like, ‘Oh, okay, this is completion,'” said the daytime talk show host of their decision to marry. Despite the struggle with California’s same-sex marriage laws, and the liminal state of their legal union, the two are still beaming. And Portia’s three-carat pink diamond ring certainly gave Ellen points in the romance department. Vegan animal lovers, they live with three cats and two dogs. Says Ellen on the Prop. 8 legal battles, “I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts—I love my new toaster.”

Between new friends and familiar favorites, choosing the most delightful duos of 2009 was no easy task. But our hard work paid off and here we present part 1 of this year’s most captivating couples! Look for more couples in the March issue!

Debra & Jay

Brooklyn, New York
Deb, 30s, Assistant Director, Department of Energy
Jay, 30s, Ophthalmic Photographer

“At first Deb didn’t want to go out with me,” says Jay. “But I perservered and and eventually convinced her. Our lives have been filled with fun, laughter and joy ever since.” Debra and Jay dealt with the loss of their mothers around the same time and believe their humor and positive outlook helped them get through a difficult period. “Deb and I have had laughter in our relationship from the very first date. Our friends agree that sharing a warped sense of humor is one of the reasons why we have lasted so long.” The couple hopes to pass on a sense of humor to their 16-month-old daughter, J.B. “To be yourself with someone you love and be accepted without judgment is one of the greatest gifts you can have.”