My partner and I have been together for nearly 13 years and have lived in four states during that time. Each move has required that we spend several hundred dollars (at minimum) in an attempt to provide the most basic protections that our opposite-sex friends and siblings enjoy in their marriages at no additional cost whatsoever. It’s a standard feature that full-right Americans have as part of their citizenship package. “Pay your taxes and we’ll watch your back”, says Uncle Sam. Even at that, we’ve always been advised that such legal documents (between same-sex partners) are among the most easily contested cases in our court systems. We do it anyway.

Wouldn’t you think that we (as same-sex partners) should have a choice of either: equal rights and protection under the law for equal tax liability, or discounted tax liability for discounted rights and protection? But the only options we have are to pay full price for discounted service–or leave.

We pay the same amount in taxes and pay the same amount into the Social “Security” fund; yet when I die my partner will not continue to receive my Social Security benefits, nor will the amount that I paid in all those years be added (in part) to his future benefits–as it is with opposite-sex couples.

It makes me wonder if we (as same-sex couples, in general) enable our government to treat us as if we’re unworthy of full rights and protection because we love this country so very much, or if we care so little for ourselves and one another that we’re unwilling to truly take a stand. Ambivalence is as dangerous as hatred; just as inaction is as devastating as terrorism. The results are the same in both cases. In my thinking, we have only two options: tough love or tough breaks. America: Love it enough to change it; or leave it, so you can love and respect yourself.

My partner and I have been together for nearly 13 years and have lived in four states during that time. Each move has required that we spend several hundred dollars (at minimum) in an attempt to provide the most basic protections that our opposite-sex friends and siblings enjoy in their marriages at no additional cost whatsoever. It’s a standard feature that full-right Americans have as part of their citizenship package. “Pay your taxes and we’ll watch your back”, says Uncle Sam. Even at that, we’ve always been advised that such legal documents (between same-sex partners) are among the most easily contested cases in our court systems. We do it anyway.

Wouldn’t you think that we (as same-sex partners) should have a choice of either: equal rights and protection under the law for equal tax liability, or discounted tax liability for discounted rights and protection? But the only options we have are to pay full price for discounted service–or leave.

We pay the same amount in taxes and pay the same amount into the Social “Security” fund; yet when I die my partner will not continue to receive my Social Security benefits, nor will the amount that I paid in all those years be added (in part) to his future benefits–as it is with opposite-sex couples.

It makes me wonder if we (as same-sex couples, in general) enable our government to treat us as if we’re unworthy of full rights and protection because we love this country so very much that we’re willing to stay here even as partial-right citizens, or if we care so little for ourselves and one another that

Your story is an inspiring one, being together 16 years, creating old cartoons, and working through the hard times.

I wonder why it is that we’re not counted as lesbians/gay men in long-term committed relationships? Then I realize it’s likely the jealousy over our great sex.

In my opinion, this is not something about which one should brag; it’s just foolhardy and a blatant lack of disregard for the well-being of one’s partner.

In most states of the US, the absolute minimum we should secure for our partners are a will and durable power of attorney. Has Ms. Neff not bothered to read the horror stories of GBLT’s who have neglected these crucial duties?

For shame!

Jay