Two gays got their visas today! yeah!

I just wanted to share the good news that my partner and I got our visas today (with a 5 year stay).  I mentioned the Civil Partnership Bill and how it goes into effect on Dec. 5 and that it will recognize gay marriages and domestic partnerships from other countries.  I asked if they would accept our CA domestic partnership or our SF wedding license (now void) or if they would accept a MA marriage (which we are getting next month to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of our family/friend wedding) and qualify me as a spouse. 

They said they had no clue of any such recognition at this time and they must go by current rules.  So, I had to register as an unmarried spouse and prove two years of co-habitation and "intent" - as if we didn't have enough!
They were kind, but I can't get over the exorbitant privileges afforded to heterosexuals - I mean two strangers could have been married a week and would have received a spouse visa!  I've been with my partner 8 years!  Even worse is probably trying to get visas into the United States!   I've heard and read of a number of bi-national couples that face separation when considering relocating.  Atrocious.

Things could definitely be worse for us.  But other than the security employee giving us a hard time about me being a spouse and at first not giving me a visitor pass, the people at the consolate were great.  I just wish they were able to implement equality sooner.

-Grant

Congratulations!  I'm sorry you had a hard time, but at least you can be together now.

Thanks saf.  indeed.  now we just got to make sure the doggie gets over ok.   

Congratulations Grant!

Congrats! Thanks for sharing your success story.

Congrats! 


(easy on snips on the heteros -- some of us did NOT have it THAT easy) 

What DUC said - at one point, us heteros HAD to get married to be together.   

Congrats, Grant!  When are you two headed back to the UK?  Welcome aboard.

Congrats!!!!

Congrats, Grant!

Congratulations!

Hope your dog has a safe trip over too

Congratulations, great news for you both.

Congratulations - that's great news! 

Thanks all!  I appreciate the support.   

Peedal and DUC, I assume you are both being tongue and cheek about your partners, not the act of getting married.  Not that marriage isn't a legal inconvenience for some heterosexuals, but compared to separation across the pond  . . .

Don't you think that governments should get out of the relationship-regulatory business?  Have one "civil union" for people who want to have legal kinship benefits and then give "marriage" to the churches to dish out (or not).  But get the state (US and UK) out of the marriage business - they suck at it. 

expat in scotland, my partner comes over in sept, and then the dog and I in oct (when his quarantine rules are met).  we can't wait!

Don't you think that governments should get out of the relationship-regulatory business?  Have one "civil union" for people who want to have legal kinship benefits and then give "marriage" to the churches to dish out (or not).  But get the state (US and UK) out of the marriage business - they suck at it. 

expat in scotland, my partner comes over in sept, and then the dog and I in oct (when his quarantine rules are met).  we can't wait!

Yes, I agree!  You're not alone in that sentiment. 

Oh, not too much longer for you two.  Hope you're already thinking about the clearing out and packing up process - you'd be amazed at how much stuff you've collected and never knew you had till you go to make an international move!  Whew, did I have some junk! 

If you want to show off a photo of your doggie, we've got a Pet Photos thread going in ChitChat!