Gay Marriages: Lack of Social Support

Introduction

The purpose of writing this paper is to focus on Gay marriages (same sex marriages) and in this aspect, the author picked up controversial point and the whole paper revolves around that point. Therefore, to provide the readers a proper understanding of the paper, thus, in this regard the focus is towards the lack of social support that is given to Gay couples. To provide the in-depth knowledge of the issue, the topic is covered accordingly.

Discussion

Same-Sex Relationships

Sexual minority individuals face challenges within and outside of their community. Nonetheless, they strive to obtain and maintain stable romantic relationships. Areas to consider include discrimination and homonegativity, unique challenges, dissolution, relationship satisfaction and commitment, conflict and egalitarian relationships.

Lack of Social Support

It is well know that support for same-sex relationships is severely lacking in the same-sex couples' social circles when compared to heterosexual relationships. Theories of romantic relationship suggest that social support from a couple's social network is extremely important in satisfaction and maintenance of the relationship (Huston, pp. 298-19). Kurdek (pp. 251-54) reported that gay and lesbian couples are less likely to cite family members as a key social support system regarding their relationship. This is a challenge not mirrored by heterosexual romantic relationships, presenting a unique problem for the same-sex couples (Degges-White & Marszalek, pp. 99-119).

Gay and lesbian couples are more likely to experience high levels of acceptance and support from their friend group than they are from their family (Kurdek, pp. 252). Being "out as a couple" is integral to gaining support from the couple's social network and represents a unique struggle that is echoed throughout the LGBT community (Haas & Stafford, pp. 846). A largely endorsed commitment and maintenance behavior cited by heterosexual couples is introducing the significant other to family and friends, and the stress surrounding this important milestone is heightened for same-sex couples. Smart (pp. 671-86) conducted qualitative interviews with same-sex couples who had registered for a public commitment ceremony, which was not recognized legally.

This study found that for same-sex couples to have the support of family and friends at this ceremony and to bring everyone together for the process was a sign of success for any kind of relationship ceremony. Same-sex couples did not necessarily rely on or expect their family and friends to support and be present at the ceremony.

Romance and Satisfaction in Relationship

Research indicated that support in the community contributes to maintaining the romantic relationship and having satisfaction in the relationship. In a study by Pope et al. (pp. 163-88) same-sex couples reported needing community support to a larger extent than heterosexual couples because of the prejudice and stigma associated with their relationship. The couples for the study were recruited through the Internet at the University of North Carolina. The participants were asked to complete anonymous surveys regarding relationship satisfaction, and the responses suggested that same-sex couples are more likely to seek out resources in the community to find belonging. In another study, finding supportive, ...