Military Partners.org was created to support the partners of LGBT troops in the U.S. military because "they are often the most unrecognized and underappreciated group associated with the military, veteran, and defense community. These silent heros endure many of the same hardships as their active duty partners, yet they get access to few, if any, of the perks, resources, and benefits enjoyed by heterosexual spouses, girlfriends, and boyfriends. In following their active duty other-halves from duty station to duty station, LGBT partners often experience unique forms of stress and isolation, particularly while their partners are on deployment."
Most gay servicemembers are afraid to list their partners on military emergency contact and life insurance beneficiary forms for fear a same gender name will trigger a DADT investigation.
In Their Boots is a documentary series about the impact the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are having on people here at home. Every episode features a documentary about how America’s servicemen and women, their families, and our communities have been profoundly changed by our nation's campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Shot on location throughout the country, these stories stress the courage of our participants, and the valor of the people and organizations that help our heroes on their journey. The episode above is about the partners of three current gay servicemembers.
TO STOP BACKGROUND MUSIC SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF PAGE & CLICK ON PAUSE BUTTON:
Like the United States, Australia doesn't have marriage equality for gay couples. BUT gays are allowed to serve openly in Australia's military AND live with their partners side-by-side with married straight couples in military housing. Even under DOMA, the US military could also provide such housing as long as the terms "marriage" or "spouse" aren't officially employed.
