ABOUT US

10,000 Couples was created in October 2009 as an online magazine dedicated to celebrating, affirming, and strengthening the commitment of gay and lesbian couples to one another and to their relationships. From that first encounter with "the one" to child-proofing your kitchen right through to financing your retirement, we strive to give each matter the seriousness and the humor you deserve.

Our mission is to impact positive decision-making and feelings by and between gay and lesbian couples. In so doing, we hope to gather strength, inspire young couples still finding each other, and destroy the distorted and distorting imagery so often used to diminish us. Why? Because we are and always have been in positive, healthy, and joy filled relationships and it is time those images get equal attention and equal care.

Not in a relationship? No problem, we have information to help you find your dream or get over the nightmare from your last one.

Our content is aggregated and original. We have assembled a regular group of wonderful and caring writers (see below) and are always looking for more. We are particularly looking to include contributors from countries outside the US to give an authentic voice to their experiences. Our visitors represent more than 130 different countries and we want to represent them as well. Are you interested? Do you know someone who is?

In December 2009, 10,000 Couples launched the I Am the Face of Marriage Equality Campaign to find 10,000 gay and lesbian couples from around the world to "show themselves" in its 10,000 Inspiring Couples Gallery. The e-zine also pledged 50% of all profits earned from product sales and affiliate commissions to groups fighting for equality. Based on a vote by e-zine subscribers, the Marriage Equality USA will receive the first $10,000 contribution.

Many thanks to all of you who are joining our new I Am the Face of Marriage Equality Campaign. If you haven't joined yet, we encourage you to do so now. Just click here, its simple. This campaign is designed to enhance the visibility of same gender couples and contribute to the fight for equality. Read more about it at our Campaign page. Visibility is difficult for many of us but that is what helps others dismiss us so easily. They don't know anyone, they say. According to one subscriber, "With more visibility, those who discriminate won't be able to do it blindly and pretend they don't know who it is affecting." We agree and that is why we think the 10,000 Couples Inspiring Couples Gallery is growing every day.

Each month we strive to reflect the best of our lives through stories, profiles, articles, commentary, and news. Thanks for taking this journey with us and don't be shy, send us your feedback, subscribe to the e-zine, tell your friends and family. For more 10,000 Couples News click here. Interested in writing for 10,000 Couples? We'd love to have you. Contact Writers@joined-together.net

We want you to have the best year ever so welcome to 10,000 Couples!

Peace and Blessings,

Delena

	This is a new venture though I have edited how-to manuals and directories; written, published, and had published several research articles previously. I am a 1979 graduate of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and '77 graduate of Livingstone College. For 20 years I was the Executive Director of a multimillion financial management organization in Chicago, IL 10,000 Couples was officially launched in October 2009. Delena Wilkerson - Publisher/Editor email me at editor@joined-together.net or call me at 708-837-4237
	I am proud to offer my services as a professional freelance writer and editor to 10,000 Couples. The celebration of gay and lesbian life and respect for diversity has personal significance to me as an individual. Inclusion of the entire LGBT community through sharing our unique stories is my passion. Angela Minor, Associate Editor
	I happened upon "10,000 Couples" in mid-Oct. 2009, and my offer to assist was most graciously received by Delena. I believe "coincidences" are usually actually the guiding hand of God. Having left parish ministry just a few weeks before to start a freelance copy-editing business, I felt more free than I had while directly serving a church to publicly support my LGBT friends and the LGBT community as a whole. I believe Scripture commands radical hospitality, grace, and inclusion, and that not everything in the Bible is as it perhaps seems at first blush. While I offer copy-editing and proofreading services for any kind of writing, I have a heart for that which delves into matters of faith. Heidi Mann, Copy Editor
	Patrice is the CEO, founder, publisher, and webmaster of LeadTheWayOut, a website that is devoted to inspiring and self-empowering LGBT women. With over 10 years of experience in Sales & Marketing in both retail and corporate environments - including a local LGBT publication - she discovered that in order to experience true happiness, one must follow their passion. We're thrilled to have her with us. Patrice K. Cokley, Webmaster and Regular Contributor