So in the most recent issue of Army Times, it tells me that as soon as September 3 of this year the DOD will launch it's program to extend full benefits to same sex spouses.
This of course is hugely significant, since the US Department of Defense is currently the world's largest employer with 3.2 million personnell currently employed.
As of right now the benefits would extend to the any same sex couple legally married in a state that allows it.
Quite a big step in the right direction. Hopefully this move will put pressure on other large employers to do the same thing.
Richard
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I'm actually a little nervous about it. My boyfriend works in a branch of the government, and I'd be worried about the potential backlash. Things rarely work the first time they're changed, or for a period of time afterwards. I'm excited about it, but I'm not so sure it would be wise to take advantage of it immediately.
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One of the things I've always felt about being in the Army as a Gay man is that as long as the first thing people think of when they think of me is my job performance, then it really won't matter. Granted, as a Non Commissioned Officer I have the common sense to keep my personal life personal, and not bring it into my work, and I know my rights under the UCMJ to be treated the same way as any other soldier would be treated.
At work I am still very much in the closet, but I have reached the point now where if someone were to ask me, I wouldn't lie about it.
I did go through a period recently where I thought about just sitting down at the end of the day with my 1SG and telling him, but I think a lot of that was just trying to get the confidence to tell someone outright.
Since telling my mom I really haven't had the urge to bring it up with anyone, it's really not their business anyway. At some point they'll find out anyway, I'll have a boyfriend at a Military function, some one will see me around town with a guy, something. No need to throw it into people's faces and invite their prejudices.
I have a friend in Texas who is the BF of a Soldier and he wants to marry him, so this will be very good for them.
Like the striking down of DOMA, the recents California law changes, this is just another step in the right direction. It's my hope that it will start the dominos falling with State Legislatures too.
Richard
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This is a huge step from when I was in the military. The whole "don't ask, don't tell" thing was terrible, since it could get you kicked out entirely. Now there's actually benefits? This is progressing quickly.
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Yes it certainly is, a lot faster than I expected. Intellectually I knew that once the Supreme Court ruled on DOMA this would have to happen but I didn't expect it this soon.
Richard
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DOD To Extend Benefits to Same Sex Spouses
