I knew before the ruling came down today that if it went in our favor, it would hold, because I've been to myriad One Iowa training and preparation sessions; I've already been informed of the way Iowa's constitutional amendment process works. It is theoretically possible for an amendment to happen, but it would take many, many years to happen even in the easiest of circumstances, and the current legislature has made it clear that it will not entertain the start of an amendment process anytime soon.

Here is Iowa state Senator Matt McCoy, giving a more thorough explanation, and also a historical recap of our record of leading in civil rights:


I agree with him: you should come to Iowa, gay or straight, because this IS the Iowa I grew up with, the Iowa that I have feared at times was stolen away from me.  We do not get in other people's business here.  Oh, sure, we'll gossip over the coffee, but when push comes to shove, Iowans believe in individual rights more than anything else.  "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."  We are more than corn and pigs and soybeans.  We are the state that has once again helped lead the way in affirming that yes, every single citizen does deserve full equality, and we will help ensure your rights are protected.

This is just the best day.  I have a pinched nerve in my neck that has my eyes crossing, my back is numb and I'm constantly working to not throw up from pain, but I hardly care.  We did it.  Iowa did it.  And everywhere I look, Iowans of all orientation are celebrating.

Oh, my state.  My beautiful state.  Thank you.  Today you are better than Vicodin.

 Iowa Surpeme Court says same sex marriage is legal in the state in a unanimous decision.


I'm so proud I could burst.  I'm so happy I could fly.  I'm so giddy that I'm inarticulate.

We did it.  We DID IT.   Our state--our state!  Iowa!  Iowa!  Pokey old Iowa!  

I hurt so badly today that I spent most of the night crying, but suddenly I don't give a damn.  Iowa.  Iowa is a benchmark of equality.  My state.

So, so proud of my LJ handle today.  So proud.  SO PROUD!!!!!

 I have three favorite books.  There are books that come and go, books that rise up and float to the top, but they are not the Most Favorite Books.  I have favorite authors, and even those wax and wane.  But I have three favorite books, books that I adore, which upon the first read I knew would shape me forever, books which I hold like close friends, even when I don't reread them often.

1. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding.  For a long time this was the only one.
2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman.  I like all his stuff, but this book is seminal.  Just thinking about it makes me tremble.
3. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon.

I just finished the latter, which seems a bit early to put it in the trinity (or use it to make a trinity, as the case actually is, but I don't need time to know that this one stays.  I can barely talk about it now, but this book is brilliant.  Everyone should read it.  And Caryle, don't skip to the end.  Just read it.  It has everything.  It has exceptional writing.  It has amazing storytelling.  It has themes so deep and rich and varied you could not find them all in one hundred reads.  It has pacing.  It has adventure.  It has the thrill of excitement and adventure.  It has heartbreak.  It has absolutely terrible heartbreak.  And then it has healing, and growth, and recovery.  And it has absolutely wonderful resolution--yet doesn't end, but opens into a new world you are able to satisfyingly create yourself.

Surprising no one at all, I was in love with Sammy from page one, and had him well under my wing before all the curtains were exposed on him.  

It's just the best book.  I can't tell which are my favorites in those three yet, but right now Gaiman and Chabon are sort of duking it out while Fielding sips claret and watches, kicking his foot.

I love the world, because it has these books in it.