Reply to comment

As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), I was recently invited to write an article for the LGB RPCV website about today's Peace Corps and its LGBT policies.  I'm curious to hear from other RPCVs in our group - how do you look back on your Peace Corps days?  And what do you think of today's Peace Corps policies regarding LGBT volunteers?

I have great memories of my time as a volunteer, memories I will never be able to match as a Foreign Service Officer.  I was the only American in the village, and I was made to feel completely at home.  I had everyone around me looking to help me integrate and learn how to be the best teacher I could for their community.  It truly was the toughest job I ever loved, and I recommend volunteering strongly to anyone who asks.  We still get to experience new cultures as FSOs, but we miss that solo element that makes it so much more challenging and so much more special.

I feel a bit disappointed that today's Peace Corps treats same-sex couples differently than opposite-sex couples.  The Peace Corps will work (where possible) to place opposite-sex couples together, but won't do the same for same-sex couples.  This has led to a lot of discussion in our own community: Can same-sex couples go overseas safely?  Can they safely be out?

You'll hear my views if you read the article, but I'd like to hear your views!  Take a look at this link and let me know what you think of the article.

We know a lot of people inside Peace Corps have been asking these same questions, and indeed, we know we have many allies at Peace Corps who are working hard every day to make the organization do as much as it can.  Do you think we as RPCVs should be pushing Peace Corps to make this a reality?  You can comment online, or you can email me.

Selim