Teresa Elizabeth Dobbins was born in Chicago. She is affectionately called TED, the nickname given to her at birth by her mother. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University, is an ordained Christian Minister of "New Thought" and an "out" lesbian. She is a supporter of various gay empowerment groups including Affinity, Equal Marriage Rights, LCCP, Literary Exchange and WACT. As an advocate of "unity in the gay community", Ted has been a member of Yahimba, African American Womyn's Alliance and Horizons. In 1995, She co-founded Affinity where she worked diligently as a board member, office administrator and as facilitator. Later, she joined CBLG ( Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays ) where she held several positions including Co-Chairperson. TED is now the Founder of R.I.M.S., Inc. ( Resource, Informational, Multi-Educational Services, Inc. ) , a newly formed South Suburban-based community service organization focused on bringing gay-related media, individual empowerment and healthy socialization to Chicago, south suburban and Indiana LGBTQ adults.

Barbara J. Hyler is an out lesbian living in Chicago's south suburbia. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, as an only child. With six adult children and 14 grandchildren, she has found time to co-found an LGBTQ community service organization known as Resource, Informational, Multi-Educational Services ( R.I.M.S. ) , Inc. She is a healthcare advocate and supports Affinity programs as often as possible. She has shared in a loving relationship for 10 years and enjoyed her "life-partnership" with TED for four years. She loves reading and aiding seniors in all communities and looks forward to being more active in the gay community.