The past two articles posted on Go Girl have been about identity as both a feminist and a religious person. Erica’s post on Friday discussed her identity as a Catholic feminist; Emily wrote earlier today about being a Mormon feminist. As a Catholic feminist myself, I understand the conflict of these two identities. Quite generally, I understand how it feels to be a complex human with ethical beliefs that do not often coincide perfectly with a group with which you are affiliated. So let’s just establish the fact that “I get it”.

This means all the more that this week was a source of pride for me to see a picture of two men kissing. These weren’t just any two men, either: they were a U.S. Marine and his boyfriend. As a a proud USMC fiance, I sure do love to see a good homecoming kiss after a long deployment. As perhaps one of the most liberal Marine Corps “spouses” I know, nothing made me happier to see that finally, our gay and lesbian service people can share their feelings like anyone else. Once two entirely contradictory identities have finally come together (at least on one issue, anyway), and I couldn’t feel more whole.

The best part is, the Marine Corps officially stated that the picture was “your typical homecoming photo.” Despite the fact that it takes the Marine Corps an eternity to do anything, when they do finally do something, they all stand firmly behind it.

From the Marine Corps’ Silent Ranks, I have found the repeal of DADT to be incredibly peaceful. Though my fiance and many of his fellow Marines initially feared the homophobia that they felt would be all the more palpable once gay and lesbian Marines were introduced into the fleet, it seems, at least from our perspective, that none of this really happened. In fact, true to Marine Corps form, all Marines underwent a series of lectures and meetings about the new change prior to its installment. Then when the day came, everything was surprisingly smooth. No uprisings, no harassment, no hate mail. Nothing making headlines, anyway.

My fiance, a Marine Corps recruiter, has even worked with openly gay recruits. It’s a great feeling.

So let this serve as a champagne toast to the Marine Corps, the Navy and the rest of the US military. I am all the prouder to be a Marine Corps spouse.

Now, let’s talk about allowing women to serve in combat.

Editors’ note: Visit the Gay Marines Facebook page for more information about — and a hearty community of — gay and lesbian service people.