The struggles of a gay military family
The United States became the 23rd of 26 NATO countries to allow military service by openly gay people last week. An estimated 66,000 lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are serving in the U.S. military, according to a recent study by UCLA’s Williams Institute. Many are still afraid to come out. I visited a gay military family to hear the story they are now able to tell.
By Lucy Nicholson
A week ago, Luz Bautista, 30, and her fiancée Alejandra Schwartz, 24, both Navy petty officers, were celebrating the end of the U.S. ban on openly gay service members.
This week, they’re being forced to live apart.
Bautista headed to Illinois Monday, away from Schwartz and their daughter Destiny, 6, for a three year posting that could be extended.
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There is a lot you can do as a straight spouse. Get involved with the local spouses group. Ask them what they are doing for gay partners. How are they dealing with the fact that gay partners/spouses can’t even get on base while their loved one is deployed? Do they have an advisory board or a link to commanders? Ask the same of the commanders. There are too few gay spouses to have an impact. We really need our straight allies to speak on our behalf. Thanks!