The License

On friday I was confronted with a part of my job I hate. I can't give details due to confidentiality but I was faced with an elderly woman who lost her domestic partner. I have to call her to explain that she cannot get the settlement because domestic partners are not federally recognized. I couldn't make the call. I have to on Monday and it's breaking my heart. Speaking to surviving spouses is always difficult and touchy. Telling them that they are not recognized and will not receive money due to their partners just makes it worse.

Many people think the domestic partner law is enough or equal to marriage. It is not. It means no ability for a partner to move together is one is in the military. No fiance visa. No health insurance is only one partner has a job that provides it. No social security death benefits. No rights to settlements from legal suits if the partner dies during claims processing. No discounts on life insurance, car insurance, home owners insurance, health club memberships. No right to stand by the bedside if the "family" doesn't want them too and their partner isn't able to object. It means kids may not get visitation after a disillusion of the relationship and a lack of child support.

This isn't a rich gay issue. Upper middle class and well off homosexual couples can gain many rights through the use of a private attorney other contracts. This affects lower income couples the most. And they are the ones too busy struggling to or afraid of photos or arrest records to protest. This video is humorous and sad at the same time.