Today marks a progressive day in the state of Iowa. I’ve invited Tanya Keith, owner of Simply For Giggles, to join us with a guest blog on her experience today. For more info on this ruling, click here. It’s just one more reason it’s great to Live In Des Moines.

I’ll admit it, when I moved to Iowa in 1992, it was a little against my will. I was excited to be together with my soon-to-be fiance, but Iowa? Let’s just say growing up in New Jersey, I didn’t give Iowa a whole lot of thought, but if I had, “progressive Midwestern state” would not have come to mind.

What better time than now, when faced with a shortage of workers, and needing to become more competitive economically, to present Iowa as a 21st century state? The caucuses could not have done any better for positioning Iowa as a forward thinking, revolutionary place that the world should be paying a little more attention.

Iowa had already attracted my sister in law, Barb, back to Iowa from Chicago about a year ago. She was stuck in traffic and saw a billboard advertising Iowa’s “rush hour” as a business man getting rushed by his kids in the driveway. We love having her and her partner Betti here where they can watch our kids grow up and be more involved in their lives. But when they moved here, I wondered if they would struggle to be welcomed back to Iowa as a lesbian couple in the same way we talk about welcoming young Iowans back after they’ve seen the outside world.

Today, I got my answer, and I am thrilled! I’m tired of trying to explain to my daughter that while Betti loves Barb the same way I love Barb’s brother (Dad to my daughter), until now they couldn’t get married. I told her that it didn’t make any difference to us, or to her status as flower girl, but the truth is, it makes a huge difference. They already had been committed to each other for years, they don’t need a commitment ceremony, they need a marriage, and now it can be theirs, and ours to enjoy for them.

It’s another great day in Iowa history. Iowa has become the 3rd state in the nation to legalize gay marriage, and the timing couldn’t be better. For Iowa, this decision isn’t about whether you agree with the politics, it’s about presenting Iowa as a place that’s modern, progressive, and tolerant. A place that will welcome a young Jewish entrepreneur from New Jersey as well as an Iowa raised lesbian returning from Chicago. Betti and I will spend the day gloating to Washington and New Jersey, our respective home states. States that can only say they are progressive.

You can follow Tanya on twitter @TanyaKeith

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If you have ever been to Des Moines, Iowa, then you know it’s a great place to be. You know that this is a fun spot for singles, . You know that the size is just right, there are four seasons, and that it takes 15 minutes to get everywhere!

Des Moines also offers plenty of entertainment (think Iowa Cubs, Iowa Energy Basketball, DM Bucs, or Civic Center performances). You’ll appreciate how “friendly” Des Moines is to every generation.

WHY DES MOINES?

Or maybe you recently saw that West Des Moines, Iowa was named the Best Affordable Suburbs 2009 by Business Week? See that here!  

Ask anyone around…and you’ll get similar answers. Des Moines and it’s surrounding areas have a lot to offer. 

WHAT DO DES MOINES LOCALS LIKE BEST?

I hopped on Twitter and asked some of my favorite “tweeps” what their favorite part of Des Moines was…

Karri Wells (@karebear006) said “The people definitely, and the relaxed attitude of the city. And the fact that you can get anywhere in 10 minutes”

Barb Niccum (@barbniccum) mentioned that she had previously moved away from Des Moines. Guess what she’s missed most? “It’s always been food related…Tasty Tacos, A Dong, George’s Chili King, Dairy Queen. We lived away 10 years, these were the things I missed!”  And if that wasn’t enough, she later added “I also missed the Iowa State Fair, Noah’s Pizza, Maid Rite, and Anderson Erickson Cottage Cheese.” These are some of Des Moines BEST restaurants!

Tanya Keith (@TanyaKeith) said: “I’d miss the complete lack of traffic and the juxtaposition of city conveniences and fun with great green space and trails. I’m also a sucker for the Iowa State Fair and the East Village.”

SO, IS DES MOINES BORING? NOPE!

Since we were on the subject of life in Des Moines, I wanted to give kudos to a fellow Des Moines blogger.  Pete Jones is very active in his community and his blog is GREAT!  You’ll love this title:

“Des Moines is NOT Boring”

He spends his time writing about his experiences in and around Des Moines and gives his insight and proof as to why Des Moines is not boring!  Love it!  You can also follow Pete on Twitter here.

Have more questions about Des Moines? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

 Photo Credit: Recent Exposure Photography

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