February 2008.  I organized a Chicago lesbian activity group to spend the day at Dave and Busters, and SHE walked in. Actually, I walked in, as I was late to my own event, but SHE was sitting there. This adorable woman with short brown hair, green eyes, and with a smile that melted my heart right away.

After a day of flirting shamelessly with her, Melissa couldn’t consider going out on a date with me. She had recently broken it off with her last girlfriend, and was in no way ready to jump into something else. That was until we had a five-hour chat over Skype later that week. The evening ended with both of us acting like lovesick teenagers, throwing kisses and googly eyes into the webcam.  Six months later and a notebook filled with all of the ways we were perfect for each other, we moved in. My immediate family saw a big change in me. I was happier with Melissa than they have ever seen me before with other relationships.

By Melissa Johns

Melissa brings a variety of experience to the team. Her history includes study of cultures and living abroad in Latin-American countries. She is an activist within the LGBTQ community. An avid cyclist, Melissa participated in the Gay Games VII in three different cycling events and won two silver medals. Melissa is also a lifelong student of photography and Spanish, and is currently studying American Sign Language.

Melissa and fiancé Stacy Jacobs run QueerlyWed.com, the premier nationwide directory of queer-friendly businesses for people planning their wedding or commitment ceremony. If you and your partner have already tied the knot and would like to be featured on Queerly Wed, write celebrations@queerlywed.com.