Read about a rumor circulating around my Southern sister today (Leonardo’s Notebook):

I heard a rumor recently that if true is both wise and not an act of desperation. BCBSSC (Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina) is going to start offering Domestic Partner Benefits. Of course, initially I took it with a grain of salt, but decided to inquire. I asked around to some well qualified employees of the SC Conglomerate and it has been confirmed that starting next year, if you’re gay (or straight) and have a committed partner they’ll qualify for more than just a membership to the Gym. Apparently “committed partner” is a part of the language perhaps because SC has made illegal “Domestic Partnerships,” Gay Marriages, common law marriages, etc.

This is very interesting because BCBS is South Carolina’s largest private employer. The only Employer that Rivals it is State Government. And though this will not do anything to change the minds of SC’s elected leadership regarding gay rights, it does say to the gay citizens of SC at least we care, and it says to the rest of the country and world – just because SC is the foulest swamp of electoral dirty tricks in America, that you can’t and shouldn’t base your opinion on our politicians.

Wouldn’t that be cool as hell?

The insurance at work is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, so I’m pretty sure they are gay-friendly. I’m going to do some digging with my boss or another employee and see if they know whether BCBS of N.C. offers DP benefits.

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