I found this article to be quite interesting. Gay and lesbian couples are more likely to have satisfying marital and family relations than their straight counterparts, according to a leading researcher in both family issues and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) relationships.
Robert-Jay Green, executive director of the Rockway Institute which is affiliated with the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, says that gay and lesbian couples appear to be better than straight couples in respect of two key factors that promote healthier relationships: flexibility about gender roles and equal division of parenting and household tasks.
If I were as devious as some religious homophobes, who constantly make arguments that male-female relations are purely natural and complementary (unlike homosexual relations, which they frequently describe as inescapably unhealthy), I'd use this study as proof that heterosexual relations are actually more unnatural and inherently unequal. But of course, I won't be doing that anytime soon. I turn the other cheek, unlike many religious extremists out there. Live and let live, that's what I say...lol.
4 comments:
Is there any research which discusses the relative happiness of gay couples where they are permitted to legally enshrine their relationship (through marriage or civil union) vis-a-vis jurisdictions where they aren't?
My own view is that the cultural reputation of gays as being promiscuous and non-monogamous is quite possibly a direct consequence of the fact they haven't been permitted to legally enshrine their relationships in the past.
Thoughts?
ALW, I'm not aware of any research on happiness rates of gay couples who can marry versus those in countries where they can't marry. But it would be interesting to explore that question.
As for your second comment, I do agree if a community of individuals finds themselves on the fringes of society with no status for so long, obviously it's not surprising that the 'anything-goes' approach to relationships and sex would predominate. Men will be men. The gay community had no official standards - there's only been a "gay community" for a few decades. Before that, it was underground and completely invisible, certainly nothing like today. Same sex marriage has brought the gay community fully integrated into the mainstream, with mainstream standards now applied directly to our relationships. It will take a while before the old habits of "anything goes" and promiscuity evolve as well (they may never) - SSM means long-term monogamy is a real option and supported by society at large.
I would imagine having gay marriage available is indicative of how homosexuals are treated in their respective countries. In Canada, we are equal, in the US less so even with civil unions which are less than a marriage, and in countries like Iran and North and South Korea not very good at all.
I don't think its a huge leap to assume that those enjoying the same rights as straights are happier than those with lesser recognition as in the US or no recognition at all in countries like Iran, etc.
A study would be interesting though, especially with regard to human rights promotion.
"My own view is that the cultural reputation of gays as being promiscuous and non-monogamous is quite possibly a direct consequence of the fact they haven't been permitted to legally enshrine their relationships in the past."
BINGO!
You hit that nail on the head. I have friends who are significantly older than I and they are a mess when it comes to being a "well rounded" individual. Tons of hang-ups, insecurities and a still present need to keep most of their lives hidden away from others. Not to mention bath house sex and the like. Many are still living under the fear that existed prior to Trudeau.
I live my life in plain view like any other person, am open about who I am and have always been monogamous and currently married for 3 years and in a monogamous relationship for 8. I only wanted what everyone else wanted. Someone to share my life with.
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