Ninth Letter
The latest issue of Ninth Letter — a physically-gorgeous journal from the University of Illinois — includes my essay, “The Outlaw Bride,” about my marriage to my partner Sandy in 2004 and its aftermath after our marriage was invalidated by the state. It’s an essay about the meaning of marriage, and love, and stuff even bigger than that, and I hope you read it.
I remember thinking that with marriages being legalized in California, “The Outlaw Bride” would be an anachronism. Remember the old days, when we couldn’t marry? Instead, as Californians head to the courts to fight the passage of Proposition 8, it’s very timely. I write about what it was like to have a wedding… and what it is like to be married. And after sixteen years, there is really nothing the state can do to unmarry us.
Happy Valentine’s Day, one and all. Remember that love makes us all outlaws one way or the other.
Posted on this day, other years:
- Vitamin Colleague - 2015
- What the hay, Chowhound? - 2008
- Here's to Michael and the Way he does the Hula Hop! - 2006
- Isn't It Romantic? - 2006
- The Table of Craft - 2006
- For Sandy on Valentine's Day - 2005
- MP3 Players Storm the World - 2005
- How Blogs Work: A Tutorial for Mr. Acosta - 2004
yaay. just ordered it. even solitaries can believe in love, and in people being happy.
And people in love can believe in solitaries, as well!
I’m glad you like the magazine and I hope you enjoyed the layout of your story. I was the student designer responsible for your portion of this issue (forgive me for being a little creepy and googling your name… it just occurred to me recently that you might have a blog)
It was a real pleasure designing for your story; I found myself talking about it a lot with friends and family (especially because of how unfortunately untimely it is…) I was having a conversation with my professor about it one day, and she mentioned it was probably the chapter that came up the most when talking about this issue of ninth.
Anyway, I had a great time reading and working with your writing. Best of luck with your pursuits in the future =)
I’m sorry I didn’t write about the layout because I have been chatting it up since I first saw it! It’s completely lovely and totally in keeping with the piece — if I had sent out invitations, they would have been on paper like that. The cake decorations were a good match . You can see them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kgs/sets/72157594184921578/
Note the actual-factual lavender dresses — you see I stick to the facts!
Thank you for your kind comments about the essay, as well. I was so happy to have a home for “Outlaw Bride” in such a prestigious publication. I’ll keep my eye out for your work.
And no, it’s not creepy to google me… or if it is, I’m creepy all the time. 😉
Happy (belated) anniversary!
Thanks! We’ve been not married for five years!