America’s Most Captivating Couples 2009, Part I
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!
Lisa & Monique
El Sobrante, California
Lisa, 38, Medical Receptionist
Monique, 44, Retail Manager
“I bought an Olivia cruise as a birthday present for my girlfriend, but we broke up before I could give it to her,” says Monique. “Instead I went on the cruise alone. Lisa was on the same cruise and she and her partner made sure I had fun,” she recalls. “Years later I found Lisa again on a womyn’s social networking site.” After months of writing to each other, the pair got together in person and have been happy ever since. “We laugh a lot, talk about absolutely everything and admire and adore each other. We want other women to know that two people who feel complete can come together and compliment each other. We are simply great friends who are also in love.”
