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.