Thanks to the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” a lesbian couple of sailors became the first same-sex couple to share what’s called the “first kiss” on the dock when one of the women's shipped docked at Virginia Beach, Va. following 80 days at sea, according to the Associated Press.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta, 22, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell, 23, were chosen to share the “first kiss” once Gaeta returned from sea on the USS Oak Hill (pictured). The couple engaged in a kiss before a cheering, flag-waving crowed, according to the AP.
The Virginian-Pilot explains the first kiss as the following, “It’s a time-honored tradition at Navy homecomings – one lucky sailor is chosen to be first off the ship for the long-awaited kiss with a loved one.”
"It's something new, that's for sure," Gaeta said following the kiss. "It's nice to be able to be myself. It's been a long time coming."
Sailors were offered the opportunity to buy $1 raffle tickets to be the sailor who gets the "First Kiss." Gaeta, who hails from Placerville, Calif told the AP she bought $50 in raffle tickets, the proceeds from which will go toward hosting a Christmas party for the sailors’ children.
The couple has been together for two years since meeting at the Navy’s controlmen school, according to the AP.
"We did have to hide it a lot in the beginning," Snell told the AP. "A lot of people were not always supportive of it in the beginning, but we can finally be honest about who we are in our relationship, so I'm happy."
The Navy may be on to something with a lesbian kisses for charity theme!
View a picture of the first same-sex "First Kiss" here.
