I am truly moved by President Obama’s order to widen medical rights for same-sex partners across America. I thank and applaud him for this moral, principled action. I am comforted to know that if my partner and I should travel in a part of the country where our relationship is not recognized, we will have additional medical rights in the event of an emergency.

Beyond the immediate benefits this policy will have for LGBT Americans, it sends a powerful message to the country that our relationships are just as valid as opposite-sex relationships. However, we must recognize that this policy will not apply to all hospitals and that this is only a fraction of the many benefits denied to us until we have legal marriage recognition.