Social worker Catherine Crisp (left) and partner Kaye McKinzie. Photo courtesy of CBS News.

The repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was not just a victory for gay and lesbian military personnel, according to this CBS News article.

Partners of military personnel who had to help hide the relationship from the public are also relieved. This includes National Association of Social Workers member Catherine Crisp, a professor of social work at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

Crisp is the long-time partner of career Army officer Kaye McKinzie. Under DADT McKinzie could have been discharged from the Army if authorities discovered she was a lesbian.

“In hindsight it seems ludicrous that we had to spend time and energy on stuff like that,” Crisp said. “We lived in fear not of ‘the enemy’ but of our government and the fear of disclosure and discovery under this horrible policy.”

Social workers are devoted to equal treatment for all, including the GLBT community. To learn more visit NASW’s Diversity and Equity Website by clicking here.