This picture of a marine returning home from deployment, embracing and kissing his boyfriend of four years is trending all over the internet.
For every one thousand people praising it there are probably ten thousand people denouncing it as utterly wrong, un-American, and immoral.
In light of the recent overturn of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the military's policy banning gays and lesbians from openly serving in the armed forces, this image is the sign of change taking affect.
Seeing beyond the hype, they are just two people who happen to be men, in love. What is more important in this image is the fact that no one around them seems to care. I repeat: no one cares! And indeed, the marine in the picture posted on his Facebook profile that none of his fellow soldiers nor any superior officer cared.
What his employer cares about is him doing his job. What they care about is him representing and defending this country to the best of his ability, and if called for, with his life.
There will come a day when two men kissing will not matter.
Who are we to tell anyone they are wrong for loving who they love?
If this image offends or disturbs you, well, that says a lot about you. Perhaps, one day, you will be able to find peace with the fact that differences exist in the world. Perhaps you will one day be able to see beyond gender norms, view an image similar to this and see only love. You do not have to accept this otherness into your home, but acknowledge the right of those differences to exist. Live and let live.
To those absolutely thrilled to see gay or lesbian soldiers kiss, by this time next year, there will be dozens if not hundreds of images just like this floating around the internet. They will just be two people in love, reuniting. Their sex will not matter.
Be grateful for all service men and women here in America and the service members of other countries defending their citizens. They serve and sacrifice so that we can live safely.
Who they love is their business.
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