Heteronormative Beliefs Research Articles

Subtle Biases Towards a New Colleague Depend on Sexual Orientation and Relationship Status

Abstract Background Allonormative beliefs entail the idea that all people desire sexual activity with other people. Single and/or asexual individuals may face social disapproval or discrimination for not being in line with allonormative beliefs. The present study investigated whether individuals offered help or were likely to befriend a new co-worker differently depending on the co-worker’s sexual orientation (i.e., heterosexual vs. asexual) and relationship status (i.e., in a relationship vs. single). Methods The online study included 1,028 participants (50.0% women and 50.0% men; Mage = 29.2, SD = 8.8) from German-speaking countries. Each participant read one of twelve short descriptions of a working situation in which they got to know a new co-worker. The description of the new colleague’s gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status varied. Participants had to indicate how likely they would share information with, befriend, gossip about, or have other-interests in the new colleague. A multivariate analysis of co-variance was calculated. Results Female participants had lower intentions to share knowledge with persons who were singles by circumstance than with persons in a relationship and male participants were more likely to befriend a single gay man by choice than a gay man in a relationship. Conclusions Bias against single persons or prejudice resulting from heteronormative beliefs might lead to subtle differences in behavior towards a co-worker. Such subtle “micro-practices” can be harmful because micro-practices accumulate over time and situations. Interventions at organizations need to help employees realize their own biases that might be based on prejudices against people with different sexual orientations and relationship statuses. Key messages • Overall women are more pressured by allonormative ideas and might therefore have lower intentions to share knowledge with persons who were singles by circumstance than with persons in a relationship. • The differing treatment of single gay men by choice and gay men in relationships may not be solely due to adherence to allonormativity, but rather could stem from heterosexist beliefs.

#FrauenSagenNein - bridging the divide: analyzing the affective network of gender-critical alliances

ABSTRACT The influence of anti-gender movements is on the rise globally as they seek to prevent the expansion of transgender rights. In Germany, the anti-gender debate has gained renewed intensity in the wake of the publication of the draft Self-Determination Act in June 2022. Within this discourse, two prominent groups of actors emerged: gender-critical feminists and right-wing populists. Despite their divergent ideological and political positions, the affordances of social media provide them with a platform for collaborative interactions. Thus, under issue-related hashtags, the boundaries between these actors are becoming increasingly blurred. This research utilizes affect theory and analysis of hashtag activism to investigate the collective protest on Twitter against the proposed Self-Determination Act. Employing social network analysis (SNA), the study identifies pivotal structures and actors within the #FrauenSagenNein (#WomenSayNo) network. Additionally, qualitative content analysis delves into the narratives and sentiments employed in constructing hostile portrayals of transgender individuals. The findings illustrate that #FrauenSagenNein served as a bridging tool that connects gender-critical feminists and right-wing populist actors, leading to their intersection. Based on these findings, it is vital to critically monitor such alliances to counter the spread of binary gender norms and heteronormative beliefs.

Professional and Personal Attitudes toward Discussing Sexuality and Degree of Religiosity among Social Workers.

This study investigated the correlations between social workers' levels of religiosity and their professional attitudes toward discussing sexual health. The focus was particularly on the potential mediating role of their attitudes to heteronormative beliefs. A random sample of 150 social workers from Israel (Jewish [63.3 percent], Palestinian-Arab [36 percent], and those who self-identified as "other" [0.7 percent]) completed a self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed significant correlations among professional attitudes toward discussing sexual health, attitudes toward heteronormativity, and degree of religiosity. Social workers with higher levels of religiosity exhibited higher levels of heteronormative beliefs, which, in turn, influenced their professional attitudes toward discussing sexual health. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of challenging heteronormative perspectives for all social welfare service users. Social work must establish culturally sensitive training to challenge the hegemony of heteronormative perspectives while connecting to religious and conservative values and perceptions.

“Straight-acting to the Front”: Investigating the Influence of a Sexually Normative Double-bind on Gay and Lesbian Students at a South African University Campus

Heteronormativity posits heterosexuality as the only acceptable and normal presentation of gendered and sexual identities. Similarly, homonormativity structures social life along heteronormative beliefs and ideals to construct conventional gay and lesbian identities. This article comments on a critical sociological exploration of the influences of these sexual normativities on the identity construction of gay and lesbian students at one campus of a South African university. Discourse was explored through a qualitative research paradigm focused on the lived experiences and reported narratives of gay and lesbian students. Three findings emerged from the data: first, how the participants socially constructed and performed their “ideal” gay and lesbian identities according to interrelated and mutually reinforcing hetero- and homonormative principles; second, these idealised typologies informed the social placement of gay and lesbian students on campus; finally, said ideals resulted in a so-called sexually normative double-bind that required gay and lesbian students to continuously navigate their membership of in- and/or out-groups on campus.

A sexual empowerment process predicting heterosexual women’s sexual pleasure

ABSTRACT Gender-based inequities within patriarchy create barriers to women’s sexual well-being. This study integrated empowerment theory with research on heterosexual women’s sexuality to examine multiple factors related to sexual pleasure. An empowerment process is one mechanism through which less powerful individuals gain influence and power that results in increased opportunities to control decisions that affect their lives. Although psychologists have been studying empowerment for decades, sexual empowerment has been under-explored. In this study, 253 heterosexual undergraduate women completed a questionnaire assessing sexual empowerment dimensions, including critical consciousness about gender and sexuality, sexual subjectivity, sexual assertiveness, and sexual pleasure. Data were analysed with structural equation modelling. A mediated sexual empowerment process in which critical consciousness was indirectly related to sexual pleasure through two mediators, sexual subjectivity and sexual assertiveness, was supported. To the extent that women can reject heteronormative beliefs and conform less to patriarchal norms of sexual fidelity, they may be able to realise more sexual subjectivity, assertiveness, and pleasure. This study has implications for rights-based sexual education and pleasure-inclusive clinical practice.

“You can’t just make gay people disappear”: Young adolescent LGBTQIA+s’ advice for middle level educators

Young adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ often encounter hostile experiences while in middle level schools. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 young adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ at two middle schools to determine their experiences. Students report the ages at which they realized their gender and sexual identities: Five reveal recognizing their identities before they entered sixth grade. Respondents provide examples of how they are often mistreated and disrespected by fellow students and teachers. Students offer advice to middle level educators for how to protect and support them as they interact with teachers and fellow students. Differences between gender identity and sexual orientation are provided to assist educators in understanding the distinction and its significance. Current sexual and gender identity vocabularies are provided, as is a rationale to avoid labeling anyone who is LGBTQIA+ as “diverse” or with the phrase, “identifies as.” Three types of victimization of adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ that often occur at school are identified: staff-sanctioned victimization, direct victimization, and indirect victimization. The effects of victimization are described as are suggestions for circumventing these behaviors. We offer strategies to help educators identify and address heteronormative beliefs and resultant negative policies. Suggestions are provided for how to create safe and equitable environments in middle level schools for students who are LGBTQIA+.

Experiences of female journalists in Zimbabwean male-dominated newsrooms

Baseline surveys on the gender distribution in Zimbabwe’s media industry indicate a male dominance in newsrooms in general, as well as in media leadership positions. This gender disparity reflects the persistence of patriarchy and heteronormative beliefs in the Zimbabwean society, despite the country’s constitution upholding gender mainstreaming and principles of equality. However, thereis a dearth of systematic academic studies exploring the experiences, aspirations and attitudes of female journalists in these macho newsrooms. The article is theoretically guided by Raewyn Connell’s hegemonic masculinity theory. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected female Zimbabwean journalists to discuss their experiences and struggles in such environments. Findings indicate that gender remains an unresolved question in Zimbabwe. Due to alleged unprofessional conduct by some male journalists, Zimbabwean newsrooms resemble phallocentric and misogynistic “carnivals”. Women experience and battle against various forms of sexual harassment despite the presence of mechanisms to protect victims. Despite this violence, female journalists persevere and also find ways of speaking back to power.

Adults apply different criteria for virginity loss depending on the context of the judged behavior

ABSTRACT Introduction Health care practitioners may rely on abstract concepts such as “virginity loss” when assessing emerging adults’ sexual history. Additionally, virginity loss can be an important life event or “a turning point” in a person's sexual life. Sometimes, virginity loss has social implications and can be associated with potential social status changes. Therefore, it is important to understand emerging adults’ definitions of “virginity loss”. Objective The current study analyzed whether emerging adults apply different criteria for virginity loss depending on the context of the judged behavior. Methods The online study included 987 persons (75% women/25% men; M age = 23.7, SD = 3.8) from German-speaking countries. Each participant was assigned one of 16 vignette conditions. Each vignette described a situation in which two persons engage in intimate partnered behavior. The main character's gender, sexual orientation, the partner's gender and the commitment of the two persons to each other were manipulated. Participants had to indicate whether 13 intimate partnered behaviors qualified as virginity loss in the given context. Multinomial logistic regression models were calculated for the analysis. Results Almost all participants agreed that penile-vaginal intercourse constituted loss of virginity. However, other intimate partnered behaviors were more likely judged to constitute loss of virginity only when the two partners had the same gender. For instance, penile-anal intercourse was often perceived as virginity loss only when two men engaged in this intimate partnered behavior. Conclusion Emerging adults do not agree on whether intimate partnered behaviors other than penile-vaginal and penile-anal intercourse between two men constitute virginity loss. Even though participants seem to apply different standards for virginity loss definitions depending on the gender of the involved partners, they mostly judge close physical partnered behaviors as virginity loss when the behavior is or resembles penile-vaginal intercourse. Thus, participants seem to base their virginity loss definitions on heteronormative beliefs. The devaluation and non-acceptance of close physical partnered behaviors that do not resemble penile-vaginal intercourse as constituting virginity loss may lead some emerging adults to feel pressured to engage in non-preferred close physical partnered behaviors in order to not be denied social implications or social status changes that may result from virginity loss. For health care practitioners it is recommended to use descriptions of concrete behavior and not rely on abstract concepts such as “virginity” when taking a patient's sexual history. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Gender minority stress in trans and gender diverse adolescents and young people.

Gender minority stress refers to social stressors such as discrimination and stigma that gender minorities are subject to. This study examines the relationship between gender minority stress and psychological well-being in trans and gender diverse young people (TGDYP). We used a cross-sectional design to investigate the relationship between gender minority stress and mental well-being in TGDYP aged 16-25. We measured anxiety, depression, general psychological well-being, gender dysphoria, gender minority stress (distal and proximal), resilience and heteronormative beliefs in cisgender (n = 135) and trans and gender diverse (TGD) (n = 106) participants. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the data. TGD participants had significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression, and poorer general well-being, than cisgender participants. Although the direction of the relationship cannot be determined through our analysis, TGD participants who experienced more minority stress and were assigned female at birth had higher levels of depression and anxiety. TGD participants with higher resilience scores and were assigned male at birth had better well-being overall. Our findings suggest that we should pay attention to minority stress when thinking about how to reduce anxiety and depression in TGDYP. The responsibility for improving well-being lies not just with services but instead should be held by our whole society.

Population-Specific Correlates of Sexual Arrangements and Communication in a National Sample of Latinx Sexual Minority Men.

While the literature on sexual arrangements has expanded considerably, less is known about sexual arrangements among ethnically diverse populations, particularly Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM). Relationship research may overlook culturally salient correlates (e.g., ideals of masculinity or immigration-related factors) of sexual arrangements. The current study explored relationship-related factors (i.e., sexual arrangements, sexual communication, and relationship functioning) as well as Latino-specific factors, including dominant cultural views of masculinity (machismo/caballerismo) and immigration among partnered LSMM. Participants were recruited nationwide through social media and geo-location dating apps. All participants were aged 18 or older, cisgender male, lived in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, were able to read in either English or Spanish, and indicated they were currently in a relationship with a cismale partner. Multinomial regression was used to calculate the odds of being in an open or monogamish arrangement relative to a monogamous arrangement. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to examine factors related to sexual communication. Language spoken with partner, adherence to more general heteronormative beliefs (genderism), and substance use were associated with specific sexual arrangement groups. The findings also suggested that birthplace, language spoken with partner variables, and machismo were associated with specific sexual arrangements and with sexual communication. This study highlights that factors associated with sexual arrangements and sexual communication may be population specific. The current study points to a complex interplay between culturally relevant ideals of masculinity and sexual arrangements as well as sexual communication among partnered Latinx sexual minority men.

Heteronormative Beliefs and Internalized Homonegativity in the Coming Out Process of Portuguese and Turkish Sexual Minority Men

IntroductionStudies examining why heteronormative beliefs shape the coming out process of sexual minority men are still scarce. This study aimed to examine whether heteronormative beliefs result in more internalized homonegativity and more sexual identity stigma. We also compared socio-cultural contexts—Portugal and Turkey—with distinct social policies toward sexual minority people. Lastly, we explored the correlates of coming out to friends and family members.MethodsA cross-sectional study with 562 sexual minority men (93.4% cisgender; Mage = 26.69, SD = 9.59) from Portugal and Turkey was conducted between March and July 2019.ResultsHeteronormative beliefs were associated with increased internalized homonegativity and, in turn, with increased sexual identity stigma (identity stigma and social discomfort). This mediation was moderated by country, such that conditional direct effects were stronger among Turkish sexual minority men. Conditional indirect effects, however, were stronger among Portuguese sexual minority men. Furthermore, less internalized homonegativity and less social discomfort were associated with coming out to friends and family members in different ways.ConclusionsThis study contributed to the understanding of sexual identity development and acceptance among sexual minority men in two distinct socio-cultural contexts. Findings showed that the internalization of heteronormative beliefs was associated with identity stigma and highlighted the role of socialization in these processes.Policy ImplicationsFor people working with sexual minority men from diverse socio-cultural contexts, our findings can offer new insights on how to offer the best help in the coming out process of these sexual minority men.

Sexual consent: Exploring the perceptions of heterosexual and non-heterosexual men

ABSTRACT The current understanding of sexual consent negotiation is grounded in research conducted with heterosexual populations, and little is understood about how non-heterosexual men (bisexual, bi-curious, two-spirited, other) navigate these processes. A sample of 251 heterosexual men and 313 non-heterosexual men participated in an online survey where they were asked to respond to an open-ended question that addressed their perceptions of the differences between how heterosexual and non-heterosexual men negotiate sexual consent. Participants were recruited through social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter), Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, and via the distribution of flyers/posters. The sample consisted of men from Canada, the United States, and Western Europe. Basic demographic information was gathered along with self-identified sexual orientation. Four main themes were derived through the thematic analysis of responses:understanding of sexual interactions, understanding of sexual script, unique challenges, and the universality of sexual consent. Findings provide initial insight into some of the perceived differences and barrier both non-heterosexual and heterosexual men face in negotiating sexual consent and highlight some of the entrenched heteronormative beliefs that both heterosexual and non-heterosexual men endorse. Results can serve to inform social interactions, education, and policymaking.

The Perceptions of New Zealand Lawyers and Social Workers About Children Being Adopted by Gay Couples and Lesbian Couples.

Global trends increasingly appear to be legitimizing same-gender relationships, yet international research shows that despite statutory rights to marry—and by extension, adopt children—same-gender couples continue to experience difficulties when trying to adopt. Primary among these barriers are the persistent heteronormative beliefs, which strongly underpin the unfounded myths about parenting abilities of same-gender couples. Such biased beliefs are perpetuated by some adoption professionals who oppose placing children with lesbian or gay couples. In 2013, New Zealand passed the Marriage Equality Act, making it possible for same-gender couples to legally marry—and by extension, adopt. This provided an opportunity to investigate the perceptions of New Zealand professionals about children being placed with same-gender couples, in a country often perceived to be more tolerant of LGBT people. New Zealand social workers and lawyers (an under-studied group)—the professions most likely involved in adoption—were recruited via professional bodies. Because studying perceptions and beliefs on socially sensitive topics are highly susceptible to social desirability, we designed an instrument utilizing multiple methods to assess and corroborate participants’ views about placing children for adoption with couples of the same gender. Administered online and anonymously, the survey included demographic questions, evaluation of negative-meaning and positive-meaning statements, and used a scenario describing a prospective adoptive couple whose gender was ambiguous, in the context of adopting children of varying needs. Overall, the study found that while New Zealand lawyers and social workers (N = 314) had generally favorable views of gay and lesbian adoption, they still reported a preference to see children adopted by heterosexual couples over same-gender couples, within which lesbian and gay couples were preferred equally. Moreover, being religious and politically conservative were characteristics associated with more negative views toward placing children with same-gender couples. We conclude that, despite winning the rights to marry (and adopt as couples), such legislative wins might be merely the first hurdle to be overcome; normalizing same-gender parenting is what needs to happen next. Our study adds to the research focused on adoption professionals in various countries, with the ultimate aim to inform practices and policies supportive of families headed by same-gender couples and formed through adoption.

Discrimination of hotel employees: The role of heteronormativity and political exclusion

Abstract This study explores customers’ service evaluations based on the service provided by a hotel frontline employee with different sexualities, manipulated as effeminate or masculine. Study participants were randomly assigned to respond to a video with either an effeminate or masculine hotel employee that mimics a hotel check-in experience and after are asked to evaluate check-in service. The results suggest that participants who hold stronger heteronormative beliefs are more likely to discriminate against effeminate hotel employees when evaluating the service they provided. This effect persists for the social conservatism of the participants. The study also identified a joint effect of social conservatism and political exclusion. Without tapping into sexual orientation, this study contributes to the hospitality literature by introducing sexuality and heteronormativity and adds more content to queer studies. It also suggests the need for more protection policies, management awareness, and training regarding hotel frontline employees from a diversity management perspective.

Gender norms about romantic relationships and sexual experiences among very young male adolescents in Korogocho slum in Kenya

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between gender norms about romantic relationships and sexual experiences of very young male adolescents (VYMA) living in Korogocho slum in Nairobi, Kenya.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from a sample of 426 VYMA living in Korogocho slum. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to, respectively, explore and validate the factor structure underlying gender norms scale items. We used structural equation modelling to assess the association between gender norms and sexual experiences of VYMA.ResultsWe found high endorsement of heteronormative beliefs about romantic relationships and low endorsement of sexual double standards. Sexual experience was associated with low endorsement of heteronormative beliefs, being pre-pubertal, school absenteeism and being below recommended grade for age. Sharing a sleeping room with more than two people, been born outside Nairobi, and living in households headed by older persons lowered the likelihood of sexual experience.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the need for further research to understand how gender norms evolve as young boys transition through adolescence to adulthood and how these changes impact on sexual behaviors

Queering the Curriculum: Why Music Therapy and Other Creative Arts Therapy Trainings Need Queer Theory

Music therapy academic faculty responsible for teaching the next generation of healthcare practitioners have a responsibility to ensure that the learning environment is one in which the principles of equity and inclusion are upheld and practiced. Without queer perspectives included in the curriculum, promotion and continuation of heteronormative and cisnormative attitudes and beliefs increase. As media, culture, and society reflect increasing awareness of and open-mindedness toward queerness, so does the opportunity for reflection and questioning regarding binary identities and exploration of the need to shift to fluid, spectrum identity categories. This questioning begins with perceiving that contemporary social identities are formed from a limited conception of a normative binary that recognizes only heteronormative and cisnormative sexual orientation and gender identities, which can be extended to other inadequate and unhelpful binaries, for example dis/abled and racial binaries that entrench prejudice. Reviewing current teaching environments and methods allows for consideration of how social constructions limit the capacity of educators to fully include attention to, and critique of, all thoughtless binaries – whether gay/straight, female/male, old/young etc. In this paper we reflect on and reveal predominant heteronormative and cisnormative values in music therapy education, advancing ways to make classroom and practicum settings a safe and exploring space, with the potential to positively impact all students and their current and future clients.

“Somewhere over the rainbow”

Abstract Somewhere over the rainbow: Reality, still a dream, or something between? The legal and social climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals varies across countries. The Netherlands, for example, is known worldwide for its liberal and tolerant climate regarding LGBT people; other nations have less tolerant attitudes and some even penalize homosexuality. But even in the Netherlands, a substantial proportion of the population has the opinion that a child needs a mother and a father for healthy psychological development, and a large percentage disapproves of adoption rights and public expressions of intimacy for same-sex couples. As a consequence, the Netherlands could be described as a society that values the tolerance of homosexuality, while also endorsing heteronormative beliefs. It is in this heteronormative society that children and adolescents are confronted with assumptions that their parents should consist of a mother and a father who identify as heterosexual and who view their gender in binary terms (i.e., female or male). It is also a society in which young sexual minority and gender nonconforming youth are growing up. Less is known about how the health and well-being of sexual minority and gender nonconforming parents and the offspring who are born and raised in these families are influenced by the assumptions of heteronormative society as well as what growing up in such a society means for these youth. In mine Chair position within the Department of Child Development and Education of the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences I will concentrate on sexual and gender diversity in families and youth by encompassing research and education on (1) lesbian, gay, and transgender parenthood, and (2) sexual minority and gender nonconforming youth. In this slightly edited version of my inaugural lecture I describe why it is especially important to focus on protective factors and resiliency in lesbian, gay, and transgender families and in sexual minority and gender nonconforming youth.

Survey of Heteronormative Attitudes and Tolerance Toward Gender Non-conformity in Mountain West Undergraduate Students.

IntroductionHeteronormative attitudes are prevalent in the United States and may contribute to discrimination against individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Understanding the attitudes of undergraduate students is of particular interest as they may represent emergent societal views toward gender non-conformity.Materials and MethodsWe conducted an online survey of Mountain West college students between the ages of 18–24 years to assess perceptions of personal gender conformity using the Traditional Masculinity-Femininity Scale (TMF), endorsement of heteronormative beliefs using the Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (HABS), and explicit tolerance of gender non-conformity on a seven-point Likert Scale.ResultsThe sample (n = 502) was 84% female and 78% white. Approximately 21% of respondents identified as a sexual minority and 36% identified as liberal or somewhat liberal (27% were conservative). The mean score on the TMF was 5.23 (95% CI: 5.15–5.32), indicating moderate levels of personal gender conformity. The mean HABS score was 3.31 (95% CI: 3.19–3.43), indicating relatively low endorsement of heteronormative attitudes. TMF and HABS scores were both highest in heterosexual males. Most respondents (73%) were taught traditional gender roles in their childhood home, and 89% had heard negative opinions about non-conformity. The majority (80.6%) of respondents reported that they know someone who displays non-conforming characteristics and 61% said that they associate gender non-conformity with homosexuality. Approximately, 7% reported they had bullied others for not conforming to their gender. Among heterosexuals, 13.6% reported they had been bullied for gender non-conformity as did 42.7% of LGBTQ-identified individuals. Nearly 1-in-4 (23.6%) believed that male cross-dressing is wrong. Nearly 1-in-5 (17.2%) agreed with the statement that those who dress or act like the opposite sex were more likely to be abused or neglected during their development.ConclusionStudents reported relatively low endorsement of heteronormative attitudes and moderate levels of acceptance toward gender non-conforming persons. The sample may reflect shifting attitudes when compared with outside data sets.

Acquiescing to the Script: A Panel Study of College Students’ Sexual Media Habits, Endorsement of Heteronormative Scripts, and Their Hesitance Toward Resisting Unwanted Hookups

The present study set out to better understand how sexual entertainment media may be related to college students’ heteronormative beliefs about sexuality and how these beliefs may be related to college students’ hesitance toward resisting unwanted hookups. In a 2-month two-panel survey, cross-lagged models found 292 U.S. college women’s sexual media habits were related to higher endorsement of heteronormative scripts, and their endorsement of heteronormative scripts were related to a hesitance toward resisting unwanted hookups. In addition, a half longitudinal mediation model found college women’s sexual media habits were indirectly related to a greater hesitance toward resisting unwanted hookups through their endorsement of heteronormative scripts. The same analyses involving 88 U.S. college men were not significant, although the sample size for men did not reach the level needed for statistical power. These results provide some initial evidence that college women’s, but not men’s, hesitance toward resisting unwanted hookups could be related to beliefs reinforced by their habits regarding sexual entertainment media, which suggests the importance of educating young adult women about sexual agency, consent, and how to combat the role to which they are relegated within heteronormative scripts.

Are same-sex relationships anti-family?: Investigating relationship stability among interracial gay partners in South Africa

One of the main heteronormative beliefs, especially in South Africa, is that same-sex partners do not enjoy stable relationships and that their relationships are often consciously short-term and lack enduring forms of commitment. The last three decades have witnessed the production of some studies (mostly in Europe and America) on same-sex intimate relationships and familial arrangements. Most of these studies compared same-sex and heterosexual relationships. Past studies found some similarities between love and satisfaction in heterosexual and same-sex intimate relationships. In this regard, this study examined relationships stability and satisfaction ingredients among interracial gay partners living in selected Johannesburg suburbs. This study is based on an eight-month qualitative study among 10 interracial gay partners living in some selected Johannesburg suburbs. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from 10 interracial gay men (comprising 20 men who are between 23 and 58 years at the time of the research) in intimate relationships. This study finds that relationship stability and satisfaction was linked to effective communication, trust and equity as the main elements of the interracial gay partnerships. Gay men in this study have similar desires for close intimate bonds and stable households – and adopt numerous resilience strategies to ensure that these relationships remain intact. This contradicts the general stereotype that gay men are anti-family and averse to monogamy. In line with the exchange theory, participants’ exchange of intangible resources, such as trust and effective communication, are associated with their satisfaction and relationship stability.