WORTH REPEATING INTERACTIONS

Hi, I’m 11. I’m still growing and figuring out who I am, who I could be. I believe all kids deserve to feel safe in school. That is why I founded the gender and sexuality alliance at my elementary school. I wanted there to be a place for kids who, like me, were interested in learning more about who they are and the world they live in. It’s easier for me in my house who accepts and appreciates me for who I am and who I have become. All kids should be able to grow and learn about who they are. It’s important to let kids decide when and how they come out. Don’t erase me or my experience from any language or books. Don’t erase my queer friends or our queer heroes. We deserve the right to be who we are when we are ready, at home, at school, and everywhere in between. —Noa, an 11-year-old Iowan, speaking during a hearing for Senate Study Bill 1145, which would require school districts to out students questioning their gender or sexuality to their parents, and forbid certain books and lessons addressing gender identity

“Democrats’ gun control is no longer rhetoric. It’s no longer, ‘We won’t take your guns away.’ It’s now, ‘We will take your guns away.’” —Jared Taylor of Iowa Gun Owner, testifying to an Iowa House subcommittee in support of a bill that would forbid Iowa police from enforcing federal gun laws

“These are people. These are our friends, our neighbors and our loved ones. These are our babies and we’re not protecting them.” —Rep. Megan Jones, R- Sioux Rapids, during the Iowa House debate on a bill limiting jury awards in medical malpractice cases. Jones was one of 11 House Republicans to join Democrats opposing the bill, which was signed into law Feb. 16.

“I do see myself as part of a very rooted musical lineage — I am just one little variation, a continuation. Hearing my dad singing and playing is one of my favorite sounds on earth. It’s somehow so rooted, and gigantic.” —Pieta Brown on her father, Greg Brown

Even if we take his vile comments at face value, it would seem he’s suggesting that people with mental disabilities don’t have rights and don’t deserve protections under the law. —Ben C.

Bringing in national hate groups to further a discriminatory, bigoted agenda… no surprise. Bet they show up on the campaign contribution list. Reynolds & her minions are literally in their own basket of deplorable. —Jessica R.

Pole to pole: Visiting every Des Moines strip club in one night (Feb. 6)

Okay I LOVE this!!!!! —Violetta

This is the type of news I like. —Camilo R.

We don’t deserve this level of journalism. Finally, a culture aficionado writing in the city of Des Moines. —Nate M.

READER POLL:

Pop quiz! Which U.S. president was born in West Branch, Iowa?

Please, pay Max to work a night shift and write part 2. —Ciara J.

I’m glad you did this, so I won’t have to.

Peter S.

I enjoyed this tour of the town! I’ve never been in one of these places. ;)

Jodi H.J.

Stress Fractures John Martinek

Paint this staircase: Des Moines artists wanted for neighborhood beautification project (Feb. 10)

This is such a good idea! —Palarth

Rat tunnel’s art would be perfect! I can see the little guy walking all over the stairs. —Rethra

What about one of those real life looking perspective illustrations of a skateboarder face planting about 2/3 of the way down? —Alan M

Groups will rally in Cedar Rapids to support transgender kids, while Mike Pence campaigns at CR Pizza Ranch (Feb. 14)

It was a great turnout! —Susan M.

In full support of those protesting Pence’s callous and cruel intolerance. Shame on Pizza Ranch! —Michael M.

And remember, the [co-]founder of Pizza Ranch pleaded guilty to sexually abusing teen employees. If Pence and the PAC sponsoring this actually cared about protecting children, they sure are picking an odd venue for it. Great for bullying people in a completely different school district who can’t get there in time though. —Geoffrey J.

Let it be clear that this manufactured culture war is bullshit - transgender people have for long existed and have not been some major problem until, conveniently, now they are seen as such by a political party struggling to maintain its