TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
It's been one year since the military's "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy was repealed.
Former Tucsonans Lt. Gary Ross and his partner Dan Swezy (now Dan Ross) were one of the first same-sex couples to exchange vows seconds after the repeal.
The couple left Tucson for San Diego about six months ago, when Lt. Gary Ross was transferred to serve aboard the USS Anchorage.
They spoke to Tucson News Now via Skype on Sunday night. The Ross's say they are celebrating the fact that they no longer have to hide their relationship. The repeal has been a big milestone, but they also acknowledged that many legal challenges still lie ahead.
We spoke to the couple about the immediate changes in their lives after the repeal.
"I felt like I was no longer treated like a secret. It was something you didn't open your mouth about before," said Dan Ross.
"When people would ask me what I was doing that weekend, if I was married or what was going on in my personal life, I'd be really careful how to answer those questions," said Lt. Gary Ross.
He added, "I was no longer required by federal law to lie to everyone about my sexual orientation."
The couple exchanged vows seconds after the stroke of midnight, the moment the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy was repealed.
While the couple can now openly celebrate their relationship and their marriage, there was still a downside. The Pentagon does not officially recognize same sex couples when allocating medical coverage, housing and travel expenses, and other benefits.
"Dan can't even come on base to buy a loaf of bread which is kind of silly. So we still have a long ways to go, although we've really come a long way in the last year," said Lt. Ross.
Dan Ross added that he had to go find another job as he was not able to get benefits as a spouse.
"I should have the same benefits any other spouse would have. That does anger me that I had to go out on my own to get benefits when other people don't have to," said Dan Ross.
They also said it was not right at Lt. Gary Ross was still treated as a "single" man in the military, even though he was married.
"So he makes less than an officer in the same position. He should be recognized as having a dependant. I'm his dependant," said Dan Ross.
The couple are now plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Defense of Marriage Act. They are fighting to get equal rights for married military couples, regardless of their sexual orientation.
On this one year anniversary of the repeal, the couple said they planned to focus on the small victories and big gains.
"We'll be proud to celebrate our one year past the repeal and look forward to the future and what that could bring. It's also our wedding anniversary so it's a special moment for us," said Dan Ross.
The couple planned to celebrate the repeal in New York City on Monday.
A special celebration to mark the occasion was set to take place aboard the USS Intrepid, with the former head of the U.S. military, the retired Admiral Mike Mullins, headlining the event.
News anchor Barbara Walters is scheduled to be the Emcee.
About 1,000 people are expected to attend. Ticket prices range from $150 for current military members to $1,000. All the money will be donated to the Service members Legal Defense Network.
