Gay Military gay Couple made history
Posted by Lindsay ManneringA gay couple from Tucson was prepared for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Navy Lt. Gary Ross and his partner of 11 years, Dan Swezy, had flown from their home in Arizona to Vermont so that they could tie the knot as soon as DADT was officially annulled. They made history as the first same-sex military couple to get married -- they exchanged vows at the stroke of midnight on September 20 in a small ceremony in front of family and friends.
What a special moment it had to have been for these two, having described their previous lives under DADT as "claustrophobic" and "deceptive."
As they told Tucson local news station 13, getting married and being openly gay in the military is just the first step. Dan won't be covered by military insurance as a spouse of Lt. Ross' because their marriage is still not federally recognized -- he will also miss out on support group access, a dependence card, and he's not allowed to come on base to greet his husband when his ship comes in from deployment.
But they don't seem bitter. They seem like happy newlyweds excited to show off their wedding rings (and Lt. Ross' Naval Academy class ring) and who are thrilled to be able to say they're husbands.
And being the first to do something in history is always going to garner some attention. The pair has been approached by news outlets all over the world. Everyone wants to get an interview with the first gay and married military couple, and why shouldn't they? It's a momentous occasion that symbolizes how far we've come, and always how far we still have to go.
So far, Dan and Gary have only been met with love and support, and I hope that continues for them. It must be such a relief to be able to be yourself, to share with your co-workers and comrades about who you are and what your real life story is.
Congrats to the happy couple!
Do you think Dan and Gary deserve all the attention they're getting?
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