While the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) was very big news, this change that begins today, may be an even more significant step forward for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Americans. I would go so far as to say it is the most important change that could come about  (next to the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

“There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital.  In these hours of need and moments of pain and anxiety, all of us would hope to have a hand to hold, a shoulder on which to lean – a loved one to be there for us, as we would be there for them.”

With those words on April 15, 2010 President Obama directed HHS Secretary Sebelius to initiate rulemaking to ensure that hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid respect the rights of patients to designate visitors.  The President further advised that the rule should ensure that participating hospitals may not deny visitation privileges based on factors including sexual orientation or gender identity.

Here is why I feel this is so crucial. Many of us deal with some level of discrimination  or the restriction of our rights on a daily basis, and on a basic day, we deal with it. It isn’t right- and we shouldn’t have to, but we deal with it. But in those moments when it isn’t a basic day, and medical crisis rocks our normal routine, it is like pouring salt on a wound to deal with added and aggravated discrimination, lack of civility or respect. In those moments, we need everything we have to deal with the situation at hand. This change allows you and me to designate who can be a visitor in the hospital. No longer can the hospital or an unsupportive biological family keep LGBT families apart out of prejudice.

Hospital Visitation Regulations Go Into Effect Today | The White House.