The Foreign Service Journal, June 2015

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2015 27 Today, most American compa- nies recognize all domestic partner- ships. Wal-Mart and Olive Garden are among those who give domestic partner benefits to their staff, gay and straight alike. More and more young people join the Foreign Service and go abroad with unmarried partners, whether the department pays for it or not. What ambassador would like to tell a partner, gay or straight, in the middle of a natural disaster or terrorist attack: “We’re evacuating post, but I guess you’re not a recognized eligible family member, so best of luck and let us know how it works out?” We believe the fairest way forward for the department is to follow the example set by American business: count all domestic partners as EFMs. Finally, as much as this progress has benefited our American col- leagues, we must remember that our locally employed staff inmost coun- tries do not enjoy the same rights and protections, either under U.S. law, or in their home legal systems and societies. Inmany countries, these colleagues are exposed to severe discrimination, harassment, violence, arrest or even death if they are known or suspected to be LGBT. Sometimes we can and do help LE staff in dire need with asylum applications, but the pro- cess of being forced to leave home for your own safety is inherently a traumatic one. The Importance of Hope U.S. missions abroad must reflect our highest standards and the full breadth of our society. So it is important to continue expanding the visibility and diversity of LGBT+ colleagues and family members in the foreign affairs community. We need to ensure that everyone is up to date on policies that have removed earlier discrimination. And we must press foreign governments to recognize and protect all U.S. diplomats and their families, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, even as we press them to extend equal protection to their own LGBT+ citizens. Harvey Milk famously said “You gotta give ’em hope,” and for all of us in GLIFAA, and for so many people who are struggling around the world, our out ambassadors are doing just that. Though it has been a long time coming, our country’s progress toward tolerance is inspiring. Although much work remains, we know that we have a president and a Secretary of State who have done a great deal, and who appreciate the unmet challenges. I remain optimistic that by the end of their terms, we will see a Foreign Service that even better represents the full diversity of our great country. And, I remain optimistic that when I’m in Jan Krc’s shoes, looking back on all I’ve seen in my career, I, too, will see a Foreign Service that is stronger and more diverse than ever. We wouldn’t be honoring Harvey Milk’s sacrifice if we settled for anything less. n A small but important number of GLIFAA members might never feel safe getting married. GLIFAA’s board of directors with Secretary of State John Kerry (center) and other guests at the June 2014 Pride event at the State Department. Front row, from left: Selim Ariturk, David Kim, AFSA Counsel and winner of the 2014 GLIFAA Equality Award Sharon Papp, Russian- American writer and activist Masha Gessen, Jay Gilliam and Blake Bergen. Back row, from left: John McGuire, Kerry Neal, Robyn McCutcheon, Sec. Kerry, Janice Caramanica of the Office of Civil Rights, Chris Hoh and Jeramee Rice. COURTESYOFGLIFAA