I am an american living in a foriegn, crazy land named Australia. Here, people say "Aluminium" instead of "Aluminum", U's appear in words they shouldn't belong, and it is "Zed" not "Zee"
Despite these oddities, I love it here. I am in love with a Wonderful man who lives here, and I made the decision to pick up my live and trudge across the hemispheres and the Pacific ocean to follow my heart, and seek adventure. It seemed destined. I had decided to move here... and then I met him.
Sparks flew, and plans were made. I tied up my life in the US, walked away from a good Job... my reasoning was that I was helping the economy by having my taken by something who needed it, and I was going to a place with 5% unemployment and desperate for skilled workers. Luckily I am in a great job and am truly lucky.
I got a 1 year Visa. My thought was, I could try it out, and if things were horrible, I could come back. If they were good, I would apply for a more permanent Visa.
I moved to Australia nearly 10 months ago. So now, it is time to figure out the next step.
In Australia, they have something called "De Facto Relationships" in addition to Marriage. In 1975, the Australian Government stated that A Relationship between two people can be considered a couple in the eyes of the law, despite the lack of a Marriage Certificate.
The interesting thing about De Facto is that it is gender-less. They did this on purpose, to include same sex couples. De Factos have many (but not all) of the benefits of marriage, and at first glance, it is the Civil Union thing all over again. Separate and not equal.
But an interesting thing happened... the straights really enjoy De Facto Status as well.
More and more young people, regardless of sexual orientation, are taking up the De Facto Mantle, and refer to their partner's as .... partners. I constantly have to remember that "Partner" is not reserved only for the GLBT community here. Of course, the GLBT community is fighting hard for Gay Marriage here, with the head of the Green Party openly gay helping with the cause... it is still a struggle.
Why am I saying this? Get to the point acluka!
This De Facto Status applies to Immigration, and my Partner can sponsor me to live in Australia more permanently due to this law. Imagine... a gay couple is seen as equal according to the Immigration law.
Of course there are loops to be jumped. Because I don't have a Marriage Certificate (though, I were married elsewhere... they take that into heavy consideration), I need to prove that I am indeed in a relationship. Facebook statuses, Pictures from trips, Christmas with the Family, Shared Bills, Rents, Ava-davits from people vouching for our relationship etc. etc. etc. But... it is the same for a straight De Facto Couple as well.
I am beginning my more Permanent Visa Process, and I reflect... had the situation been reversed, my partner could not do the same in the US... and I hope that one day that could be rectified. I can still vote in US elections (and I do), and I hope that by voting those whom I know can change the system will, and that one day, the US will be open to Gay immigration.
The next few months will be stressful, but I know I will get a fair shake here... and that is all I ever ask for.