Peace Corps Opens to Same-Sex Couples

Peace Corps deputy director Carrie Hessler-Radelet announced on Tuesday that the agency will begin accepting applications from same-sex domestic partners who want to serve together as volunteers overseas. Couples may begin the application process starting Monday, June 3.
“Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining leadership experience for Americans who want to make a difference around the world,” Hessler-Radelet said. “I am proud that the agency is taking this important step forward to allow same-sex domestic partners to serve overseas together.”
Expanding service opportunities to same-sex domestic partners who want to volunteer together further diversifies the pool of Peace Corps applicants and the skills of those invited to serve overseas in the fields of education, health, community economic development, environment, youth in development and agriculture. Married heterosexual couples have been serving together in the Peace Corps since its inception in 1961. Currently, 7 percent of Peace Corps assignments are filled by married volunteers serving together.
To learn more about serving in the Peace Corps as a same-sex couple, go here.