From the beginning it was the perfect case to bring down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer had been together as a couple, in sickness and in health, for more than forty years, enduring society's homophobia as well as Spyer's near total paralysis from multiple sclerosis. Although the couple was finally able to marry, when Spyer died the federal government refused to recognize their marriage, forcing Windsor to pay a huge estate tax bill. Kaplan shares the behind-the-scenes highs and lows, the excitement and the worries, and provides intriguing insights into her historic argument before the Supreme Court.

Includes index.

Gay pride --Parents and second parents -- The beginnings of a new perspective -- Be brave-- do the right thing -- A very long engagement -- The rest was just dancing -- It's all about Edie, stupid -- Sometimes, prayer works -- Superior dance -- Professor Diamond and Captain Underpants -- Perfectly pleased -- Be our guest -- To de-gay or not to de-gay -- Already married, already gay -- Skim milk -- Equal dignity.