A Naval First

Earlier this week, a first happened for the United States Navy. A man and his partner were the first same-sex couple to ever be chosen for the ceremonial first kiss that occurs during the homecoming of a Naval vessel. The submarine docked on Monday at the Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, California where families gathered to welcome them home.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Sawicki and his boyfriend Shawn Brier were the ones chosen for the ceremonial kiss. Sawicki was stationed on the USS San Francisco (a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine) on a seven month deployment. This deployment was a first for the couple.

Sawicki was informed about winning the "kiss lottery" via email prior to his return home and received the full support of the rest of the submarine's crew. "Everyone was cheering for me when they announced it over email," said Sawicki. "Everyone was very excited, very supportive, very happy."

This decision was named a milestone for "modern military families" by the American Military Partner Association, who acts as a support network for LGBT couples in the US military.

American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack perfectly summed up why this ceremonial kiss was such a big deal. "Since the repeal of the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law, we've made tremendous progress as a community and as a nation in our pursuit of liberty and justice for all Americans. Although we still have progress to make, moments like these remind us just how far we've come."

I couldn't agree with her more. Even something seemingly small, like this ceremonial kiss, shows us how much progress we've made as a country. A mere five years ago this would've been unheard of. It appears that the military is finally understanding that who are attracted to or who you fall in love with does not make a difference in whether or not you can defend your country. At least I hope they are indeed finally understanding. LGBT military members, and their families, need to be seen as equals to any non-LGBT military member.

Congratulations to Petty Officer Thomas Sawicki and Shawn Brier for being chosen to take part in this momentous milestone in US military history.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/San-Diego-Couple-Shares-First-Ever-Male-Same-Sex-Ceremonial-First-Kiss-291344541.html