Can You be Gay and Married in the Military?
The military has a long history of enforcing strict policies and regulations regarding sexual orientation and marriage. However, with the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) in 2011 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015, the landscape has changed significantly. In this article, we will explore the current state of being gay and married in the military.
Can You be Gay and Married in the Military?
The short answer is yes. The military now allows gay and lesbian service members to serve openly and honestly, without fear of being discharged or discriminated against. The repeal of DADT in 2011 ended the policy of "don’t ask, don’t tell" and allowed service members to be themselves without fear of retribution.
Legal Marriage Recognition
In 2015, the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states with the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges. This decision paved the way for same-sex couples to get married and have their marriages recognized by the federal government, including the military.
Military Marriage Recognition
The military now recognizes same-sex marriages for all purposes, including benefits, privileges, and housing. Service members who are married to a same-sex spouse are entitled to the same benefits as heterosexual service members, including:
• Health insurance: Same-sex spouses are eligible for TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program.
• Housing: Same-sex spouses are eligible for military housing and other benefits.
• Education benefits: Same-sex spouses are eligible for education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Family support: Same-sex spouses are eligible for family support services, including counseling and childcare.
Challenges and Concerns
While the military has made significant progress in recognizing same-sex marriages, there are still some challenges and concerns that same-sex service members and their spouses may face. Some of these challenges include:
• Deployment: Same-sex spouses may face difficulties when it comes to deploying with their service member. Military regulations require that deployments be based on the service member’s needs, rather than the needs of their spouse.
• Accommodations: Some military bases may not have accommodations for same-sex couples, such as shared housing or family support services.
• Stigma: Unfortunately, some service members and their spouses may still face stigma and discrimination, particularly in conservative or rural areas.
Table: Military Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
| Benefit | Same-Sex Spouse Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance (TRICARE) | Eligible |
| Housing | Eligible |
| Education Benefits | Eligible |
| Family Support Services | Eligible |
| Death Benefits | Eligible |
| Burial Benefits | Eligible |
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can be gay and married in the military. The repeal of DADT and the legalization of same-sex marriage have created a more inclusive and accepting environment for same-sex service members and their spouses. While there are still some challenges and concerns, the military has made significant progress in recognizing same-sex marriages and providing benefits and privileges to same-sex couples.
Additional Resources
For more information on the military’s policies and regulations regarding same-sex marriages, service members and their spouses can contact the following resources:
• Defense Manpower Data Center: The DMDC is responsible for managing the military’s personnel data and providing information on military benefits and policies.
• Military OneSource: Military OneSource is a confidential support hotline that provides information and resources on a wide range of military-related topics, including family support and benefits.
• American Military Partner Association: The AMPA is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to military families with same-sex parents or spouses.
Important Note
This article is intended to provide general information and guidance only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Service members and their spouses should consult with a qualified attorney or other legal expert for specific guidance on their individual situation.
