Crystal "Danni" Webber created an online profile a few years ago while living in New York City, looking for friends, especially football fans and coffee fanatics. Tara Webber replied with a picture of herself wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers' jersey, and she even has a Steelers tattoo on her arm, commemorating the death of her father who also was a diehard Steelers fan and a steel worker by trade.
Naturally, Tara immediately moved to the top of Danni's list, and the two soon started dating.
This past May, they were married in front of the Stonewall Inn in New York.
Webber and Webber now call Chicago home … actually, northwest suburban Hoffman Estates. Danni, 32, is a registered dietitian and food scientist, specializing in functional beverage development. Tara, 36, is an assistant principal at a charter school serving underprivileged youth in Chicago.
"I really like Chicago so far," Danni said. "We have met some really incredible people and had some really incredible food."
Tara added, "I really enjoy the kindness of the people here. I have joined a very welcoming women's soccer league that has helped me feel less homesick. The food here is very comparable to New York City, but the cost of living is much better."
Tara said the key to their personal success staying together is, without question, honesty, followed by communication and "keeping the passion alive." Tara often sends flowers to Danni and leaves her unexpected noted on Post-it paper. Danni said she "tolerates ungodly high sleeping temperatures because I'm always cold … that's love," she said, laughing. "Even when we disagree or have days where we are too busy to connect as much as we like, I love knowing that we have this great foundation that will bring us back to normal soon enough and I would not trade that reassurance for anything."
Tara said there is a lack of resources for LGBT use in the schools, thus, "it's important for me to connect with the LGBT youth," she said. "I would love to be a role model for them and encourage others to be role models as well."
"I want to get involved in the LGBT community for all ages," Danni said. "I absolutely love the great things SAGE ( Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders ) is doing in New York City and believe that as same-sex relationships become more normalized nationwide, the aging LGBT population will need more support than ever to navigate the legal and financial landscapes in planning for retirement. These pioneers are heroic to me and did so much to pave the way for younger LGBT generations, [so] it is the least I can do to support them in finding equality later in life.
Danni was active in the Philadelphia Dyke March for years, which she calls, "by far my most favorite LGBT annual event." She also has participated in the annual New York City Dyke March, even as part of its planning committee. "I love that it is a grassroots protest march, as opposed to a parade," Danni said, "and I like that they do not ask for permission to take over the streets. Serving as a marshal in the March in various cities for the past 10 years or so is something I am very proud of.
"The hour before the March, when women from all walks of life come streaming through the streets to the meeting place, is often the most excitement I feel all summer. The moments we stand as marshals, while negotiations with the police take place, are electric. The feeling of celebration when nearly 20,000 people safely navigate the march is indescribable. I asked Tara to marshal the Dyke March with me a couple years back and it was one of my favorite memories of us as a couple. We got to lead the march and protect the banner. It was an amazing day and the pictures were incredible."
THE STATS
Hobbies
Danni: Yoga, Pilates, following the Pittsburgh Steelers around the country, cooking for groups, reading, and watching Investigation Discovery while drinking wine with Tara.
Tara: Playing soccer and basketball, snowboarding, reading, watching NFL football, and traveling
Favorite movie
Danni: Lola Rennt
Tara: The Breakfast Club
Dream vacation destination
Danni: A Mediterranean cruise
Tara: Egypt
Pizza topping( s )
Danni: Minced garlic, fresh tomatoes, spinach and ricotta
Tara: Spinach or pineapple
