Written June 26, 2017
Two years ago today my life changed because of a Supreme Court decision.
Anyone still wondering why legal acknowledgement of marital status by the federal government is such a big deal to same-sex couples; or why it isn't just enough for us to have "something else that's not called marriage", has almost certainly never had to worry about his life-partner not meeting the legal definition of "next of kin" and all that implies for healthcare decisions.
...or never had to worry about her life-partner being able to afford the tax bill should she suddenly die - because non-married surviving joint tenants owe federal income tax on the value of the deceased's half of the estate (i.e., if you own your home outright, your surviving partner is required to pay 20% or 25% on hundreds of thousands of dollars);
...or never had to worry while on deployment that if he dies, his life-partner won't be eligible for the benefits afforded to others in his platoon.
Thinking back to that feeling when the decision was announced - what elation!
What relief!
What thanksgiving.
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