Same-sex Marriage Research Articles

Body narratives in the film Marry My Dead Body: Symbols, Power, History

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the body narrative in the Taiwanese comedy film Marry My Dead Body, exploring how bodily representations serve as a vehicle for examining Taiwan's complex social and cultural contexts. Utilizing Foucault's theory of discourse and power, this study investigates the narrative strategies and power dynamics embedded in the film's portrayal of bodies. The contrasting depictions of human, ghostly, and gendered bodies dissolve conventional fears surrounding ghosts and death, while simultaneously addressing the contentious issue of same-sex marriage. Through the characters Mao Mao and Ming Han, the film reflects Taiwan's intricate social fabric, where traditional and modern gender roles intersect. Mao Mao’s body symbolizes Taiwan's evolving gender culture, while Ming Han's body embodies traditional Chinese gender symbols, making bodily representation a multifaceted carrier of cultural, social, and historical meanings. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of gender culture in Taiwan, challenging the conventional view of LGBTQ+ representation in contemporary Taiwanese cinema.

Factors associated with having a steady homosexual partner among men who have sex with men, based on internet recruitment

ObjectiveThis study analyzed the status and factors associated with having a steady homosexual partner (HP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and control strategies for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in this population.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among study participants who were MSM recruited online by a non-governmental organization in May 2024. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether they had a steady HP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the factors influencing whether the participants had a steady HP.ResultsWe surveyed 604 participants;211 (34.93%) had a current steady HP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older participants having a steady HP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.07)was associated with an average monthly income >6,000 Chinese yuan (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01–2.16), a belief that using enhancers such as Rush Popper increases the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection risk (aOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02–2.41), identification as purely homosexual (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.37–2.99), having engaged in anal sex with a HP in the previous 6 months (aOR: 4.13; 95% CI:2.51–6.90), and knowing the HIV status of their HP (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.17–3.06). Participants less likely to have a steady HP had used condoms consistently during anal sex with a HP in the prior 6 months (aOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35–0.90) and engaged in one-night stands with HPs (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.29–0.65).ConclusionA low proportion of participants had steady HPs (34.93%). Therefore, public education for MSM should be promoted to encourage individuals to improve their awareness of HIV infection risks. Sexual responsibility, including correct use and risks of enhancers like Rush Popper, and avoiding high-risk behaviors, such as one-night stands, is crucial to reducing the risks of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

How it affects me: the effects of arguments in public debates on marriage equality for young people in Taiwan

How do arguments in public debates regarding same-sex marriage affect young people? The literature has suggested three possible effects. These debates may affect young people, regardless of their sexual identities, due to the fact that young people widely share a set of values pertaining to human rights and equality (H1). These debates may affect sexual minority individuals more strongly than heterosexual individuals because the arguments used in such debates are targeted at sexual minority individuals (H2). Alternatively, these debates may affect positive and negative outcomes in different ways depending on the nature of the arguments (H3). Two experimental studies (N = 92 and N = 411) were conducted in Taiwan with the goal of testing these three hypotheses. The evidence revealed by these studies largely supported the first hypothesis. The effects observed were similar across young people with different sexual identities and various types of outcomes: reading arguments in support of same-sex marriage increased positive emotions (in both studies) and reduced negative emotions (in Study 2) in comparison with a control condition. Further implications regarding young people's responses to social changes are discussed.

Cultural Norms and Lesbian Marriage: A Feminist Study

This essay aims to explore the cultural norms that resist the legislation of lesbian marriage in China, examining the influence of traditional ideologies, social expectations, and cultural environment on the LGBTQ+, especially the lesbian community. In the passage, the reason for the formation of homosexual relationships will be discussed, followed by the impact of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on shaping the social views against female-only marriage, which are generally recognized as the three most representative ideologies in China. The essay also describes and analyzes the traditional and contemporary expectations placed on women in Chinese society, highlighting how those expectations limit women's free will and abilities in a male-dominated society. A comparative analysis between Western and Eastern cultural developments regarding the legislation of homosexual relationships is illustrated in the last part of this essay, which shows how the inaction of Chinese women led to the lack of attention toward lesbian legislation from society

Rings and Rebuttals: A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Psychological Impact of Marriage Equality on Low-Income Black Sexual Minorities in the United Kingdom.

Critiques from queer theory have suggested that the legalization of same-sex marriage (SSM) predominantly benefits White, middle-class segments of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community. This study investigates the impact of the legalization of SSM on mental health among Black LGB individuals, focusing on those with lower incomes in the UK. Using a nationally representative panel sample and employing a quasi-experimental methodology, we analyzed changes in psychological distress and life dissatisfaction following the legalization of SSM. Results indicate that the legalization of SSM significantly reduced psychological distress and improved life satisfaction for Black LGB individuals in the UK, with stronger benefits among those with lower incomes. Specifically, the study found a decrease in psychological distress by 2.61 (95%CI: - 5.07 to - 0.15) points and life dissatisfaction by 0.56 (95%CI: - 0.98 to - 0.14) points relative to Black heterosexual counterparts. When compared to White LGB individuals, further reductions were observed. Notably, the most substantial benefits were seen among lower-income Black LGB participants, who experienced reductions in psychological distress of 5.31 (95%CI: - 9.52 to - 1.11) points and in life dissatisfaction of 1.21 (95% CI: - 2.02 to - 0.40) points compared to their lower-income White LGB counterparts. These findings challenge the assumption, suggested by queer theory, that the legalization of SSM primarily benefits White LGB people. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that address broader social determinants of health to continue improving mental health for Black LGB individuals.

Rousseauian Sovereignty: The Willingness of All

This article disputes Keith Sutherland's claim that a sovereign minipublic constituted by random sampling would satisfy Rousseau's conception of popular sovereignty. On my interpretation, Rousseau's volonté générale is a regularly verified 'general willingness' in which every association-member must be allowed a voice, rather than a metaphysically ambiguous 'general will', inferred from putatively objective interests, that may be hypothesized by others. Using an analogy with equal marriage to illuminate Rousseau's vision and the historical examples of classical Athens, Rome, and the Brexit referendum to illustrate both its feasibility and its challenges, I argue from numerous passages in the Social Contract (1762) that it was an essential criterion of Rousseau's ideal political association that no member would want any other member to be subjected unwillingly to the terms of their common association. Accordingly, there needed to be regular, low-stakes opportunities for every member to signal publicly their personal willingness (or unwillingness) to maintain the association on current or proposed terms, knowing (a) what those terms consisted in substantively, (b) that the position of a majority of voters would be decisive, and (c) that if any members found themselves unable willingly to accept the result of the vote, then proceeding with it would be illegitimate. On the same reasoning, whenever association members are denied an equal share in deciding the terms of their common association — as when those decisions are made by an authorized representative mini-public — then no one can be sure that the excluded members are genuinely willing to maintain the association on the stated terms, thereby making the association illegitimate. A randomly sampled mini-public might have made an acceptable government, on Rousseau's definition (i.e.a body that makes decisions on particular matters rather than on general norms), but never an acceptable sovereign.

SOCIAL INTERACTION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: A COMPARISON OF MID- TO LATER-LIFE SAME- AND DIFFERENT-SEX COUPLES

Abstract Social interaction with family and friends plays a crucial role for individual mental health with notable gendered patterns. Yet, previous studies fall short in explaining how the frequency of social interactions change over time for women and men in same-sex and different-sex married couples and how such change may influence depressive symptoms from midlife to late adulthood. Using dyadic longitudinal data from the Health and Relationships Projects (HARP), we examine patterns of change in social interaction frequency over a 6-year period for mid-to-later life U.S. women and men in same-sex and different-sex marriages (n = 616 individuals; 320 couples) and their subsequent associations with depressive symptoms. We use mixed-effects multilevel modeling and find that the frequency of social interaction with family members decreased over a period of 6 years for same-sex couples (i.e. women married to women; men married to men), but not different-sex couples. Frequency of social interaction with friends also decreased, but only for men married to men. Decreased social interaction with family members was associated with increased depressive symptoms for women married to women, but not men married to men or different-sex couples; decreased social interaction with friends was associated with increased depressive symptoms for men married to men only. Taken together, these findings illustrate how change in social interaction frequency influences mental health within marriage from mid-to-later life and underscores the importance of including same-sex couples when considering both gender differences in such linkages.

Refined Marriage Rates and Coresidential Relationships by Sexual Identity and Age: A Research Note

AbstractThis research note estimates refined marriage rates and coresidential relationships among individuals identifying as gay, lesbian, and straight in the United States seven years after the legalization of same-sex marriage. Data to estimate refined marriage rates or coresidential relationships by sexual identity are not available in a single national dataset so we leverage data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey and Household Pulse Survey, to estimate refined marriage rates and the share in a coresidential union for straight, lesbian, and gay populations aged 18 to 64, based on the unmarried population and age. Findings highlight the importance of considering age alongside sexual identity when analyzing marital behavior and coresidential relationships. Both refined marriage rates and percentage living in coresidential relationships were lower among gay identifying males across all age groups, whereas rates among lesbian identifying females were comparable to those among straight identifying males and females. This study contributes to research on contemporary relationship dynamics as well as calling for new demographic data and investigations into the complexities of marriage and cohabitation among diverse populations.

“A capacious hermeneutics” of The World That Belongs to Us: Akhil Katyal and Aditi Angiras in conversation

ABSTRACT In this interview, poet practitioners and scholars Akhil Katyal and Aditi Angiras, traverse the intersections of queer identities, poetry/literature, digital spaces, and activism. Katyal and Angiras revisit/rethink the complexities of queer progress, emphasising a ‘capacious hermeneutics’ and deconstructing monolithic narratives that centres on same-sex marriage or assimilation into heteronormative structures. They reflect on the fluidity of queer identities, highlighting the evolving relationship individuals have with the names/labels they choose for themselves. The interview further explores the disparity in queer representation within academic versus popular culture, with a focus on the underrepresentation of queer women and trans men in media/television/popular culture, in contrast to their prominence in academia. Katyal and Angiras accentuate the transformative potential of digital platforms, examining how they both amplify queer voices and expose individuals to heightened vulnerability, ‘accelerated versions of reality’, and trolling. The poets emphasise the need to embrace heterotopias, diverse, coexisting spaces of queer expressions and activism, while acknowledging the ongoing struggles for trans/queer safety, homelessness, and marginalised communities within the larger queer movement. As well, the conversation informs the ongoing evolution of queer narratives both in literature, poetry, and broader cultural spaces, advocating for inclusivity, intersectionality, and a departure from monolithic understandings of queer progress.

Legal Study on Marriage Rights of Homosexuals in China

The issue of equality related to homosexuality has always been a hot spot in anti-discrimination. Through years of legal and cultural changes, the equal rights of homosexuals in China have been guaranteed to some extent. However, gay people in China have not been fully treated fairly, especially when it comes to marriage rights. Article 2 of the Marriage Act only regulates heterosexual marriage and does not cover same-sex marriage. This paper explores the legal status and challenges surrounding the marriage rights of homosexuals in China. By examining current legislation, judicial cases, and societal perspectives, the study identifies the legal barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in achieving marriage equality. Given that Chinese law currently does not recognize same-sex marriages, this research seeks to highlight the need for legal reforms to ensure equal treatment of homosexuals in marriage laws. The paper also proposes legal amendments, improved law enforcement, and societal education to foster greater inclusivity and fairness in China.

Caregiving for LGBTQIA+ Older Adults: Religious Exemptions and Cultural Discord in Long-Term Care

ABSTRACT Religious and moral exemptions have burgeoned since the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality in 2015. These laws allow individuals to refuse services based on religious or moral beliefs. LGBTQIA+ advocates have raised concerns regarding exemptions to deny care to LGBTQIA+ individuals with heightened health needs. Research suggests that LGBTQIA+ individuals have higher anticipated needs for nursing home care; however, a gap in empirical research exists on how nursing home staff understand religious exemptions in the context of their caregiving. This study, thus, employs a qualitative case approach to examine this question: How do nursing home staff make sense of staff refusal to provide care to LGBTQIA+ residents because of religious or moral beliefs? Data includes semi-structured interviews of nursing home staff (n = 90) and was analyzed with thematic analysis. While dominant narratives present religious exemptions as a conflict between religious liberty and equality, staff employed a variety of cultural frames to reconcile cultural discord and achieve social coherence about whether to accommodate a colleague who refused care to an LGBTQIA+ resident. Cultural frames included individual rights, individual religious belief, fairness, job obligations, resident safety and comfort, and legal compliance.

Regulating Same-Sex Marriage in Vietnam Negotiations between Legalisation and Social Recognition

Vietnam’s ban on same-sex marriage, which was instituted in 2000, was finally removed in 2014. Since then, wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples are allowed, even though their conjugal union is deemed legally void. The article holds that this peculiar position may be attributed to the fact that recognition of marriage in Vietnam has both legal and social dimensions. In granting same-sex couples an informal venue for their relationship to be accepted, the 2014 Marriage and Family Law may offer a temporary solution to the contentious question of same-sex marriage. It follows that the strategy in the name of social recognition helps the state to gain more time for further deliberations.

Violenza di genere tra le mura domestiche: Repubblica Popolare Cinese e Taiwan

The phenomenon of gender-based domestic violence in both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan has its roots in the traditional, highly hierarchical Confucian culture, which for centuries has subordinated women to male figures. Marriage equality, which was introduced simultaneously into the laws of the Nationalist Party and the Chinese Communist Party in the 1930s, has not been able to curb a phenomenon that has long been unable to cross the threshold of the home. Only recently has the legislature intervened with ad hoc laws to curb domestic violence. In the PRC and Taiwan, the timing was different, dictated by social conditions that influenced the need to send a signal of protection to victims, but there are still some critical issues in the laws and regulations. In Taiwan, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act dates back to 1998, while in mainland China, the first such law was enacted in 2016. This article aims to analyse the main differences and similarities that emerge from both the socio-cultural aspects and the legal texts, looking at the definitions of ‘domestic violence’ and the institution of domestic violence protection orders in both legal systems.

Are the Queer Movements in India Inclusive?: Explorations of Hierarchies within the Queer Community

India has seen progress in the laws and legislations granting rights to queer people in the last ten years. This resulted from decades of activism starting in the late 1980s. However, equal rights and opportunities have not been extended to all queer individuals, revealing fractures within the movement. In this context, this article explores the issues within the queer movements that have led to the hierarchisation of priorities that the movements have advocated for. Historically, queer activism has been dominated by the development sector, operating within neoliberal frameworks and global funding regimes. This has led to the prioritisation of certain issues due to the privileged backgrounds of those leading the NGOs, resulting in the exclusion of intersectional sexual subaltern groups who do not fit the neoliberal ideals of professionalism and corporatisation. The language used within queer movements, often shaped by global discourses, has also created barriers. Terms like men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender, used to secure funding, privilege those with access to such terminology, leaving others marginalised. This centralisation of power persists today, exemplified in issues like advocating for same-sex marriage, which reflects homonormative ideals that reinforce existing class and caste structures. Meanwhile, critical issues – such as challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 or advocating for horizontal reservations for transgender individuals – are sidelined. To address these disparities, this article suggests that a bottom-up approach in queer advocacy is necessary to advocate for the rights of intersectional sexual subalterns, with some emerging queer movements beginning to reflect these ideals. Further, there needs to be more focus on rural and subaltern queer practices and advocacy in addition to forging alliances with other social movements – such as those on caste, class, and disability – to create safer spaces and inclusive queer movements.

Exploring the Legal Theory and Practical Implications of Marital Family Rights

Objective: The relevance of the research topic is stipulated by the need to review and update the legal regulation of family rights and obligations in the context of modern social and legal challenges. Theoretical Framework: The issues of gender equality, protection of children’s rights and regulation of international marriages require special attention and modernisation of existing legal provisions. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical, legal, and practical aspects of family rights and obligations of spouses. Method: The research methodology is based on the analysis of current legislation, comparative legal and historical legal methods, and sociological data. Results and Discussion: We have identified fundamental problems and contradictions in the legal regulation of family rights and responsibilities, such as gender imbalance, difficulties in regulating international marriages and insufficient measures to protect children’s rights and prevent domestic violence. Research Implications: Recommendations are made to introduce gender-neutral legislation, unified standards for international marriages, and strengthening measures to protect children’s rights. The author also emphasises the need for legal regulation of new forms of family relations, such as civil partnerships and same-sex marriages. Originality/Value: The results obtained have practical significance in developing recommendations for improving the legislative framework. This will contribute to improving the efficiency of legal regulation of family rights and obligations, protecting the interests of all family members, and strengthening the family institution in general.

After Taiwan, legalization of same-sex marriage in Indonesia: A review

This research explores the feasibility of legalizing same-sex marriage in Indonesia by conducting a qualitative review of relevant literature and comparative case studies, with a particular focus on Taiwan’s experience as a point of reference. The study examines Indonesia’s legislative framework, especially the 1974 Marriage Law, and analyzes prevailing social attitudes that shape policies on LGBT rights. A qualitative literature review method is employed to assess Taiwan's legal progress, taking into account how similar sociocultural factors might influence Indonesia’s path toward marriage equality. The study identifies major barriers, including cultural conservatism and established legal norms, but also notes gradual reform possibilities through targeted legal adjustments and shifting public perceptions. The findings underscore the need for ongoing advocacy and dialogue with policymakers to advance marriage equality, suggesting that phased legal recognition of same-sex unions may be achievable through sustained, collaborative efforts. This research provides valuable insights into the intricate challenges and potential strategies for advancing LGBT rights in Indonesia, concluding that while considerable obstacles persist, consistent engagement within both legal and social spheres is essential for fostering broader acceptance and driving policy change.

The future of Same-sex marriage in India – An analysis with other countries

A marriage is considered to be holy, whether sacrament or contract. Same-sex marriage is the practice of marriage among two men or two women. There has been both strong support and conflict on communal, political, and religious grounds for same-sex marriages. Some jurisdictions through laws either allow same-sex marriages or recognize same-sex civil unions whereas others prescribe punishments for homosexual relationships. Given the lack of globally uniform approaches, there are strong possibilities for conflict and legal contradictions. This study explores the legal status of weddings between people of the same gender in India with the primary aim of examining the judicial decisions and the contribution of the Supreme Court in landmark cases related to same-sex marriages.The Supriyo Chakraborty v. Union of India connected cases (2023) are a collection of significant cases that the Supreme Court of India heard. These cases were brought up to consider the extension of marriage and family rights to individuals belonging to sexual and gender minority groups in India, where same-sex weddings or civil unions are considered illegal. The Supreme Court's rejection to recognize same-sex marriages in this case severely affected the rights of the LGBTQ community in India.This study shall also dwell on the recent developments, particularly regarding the question of marital rights vis-a-vis the case before the judiciary and what could probably be the future course of action in India. In this study, the researcher chooses a hermeneutic research method focusing on the interpretation of statutes and analyzing same-sex marriage rights of different countries with that of India.

Thailand as World LGBTQ Wedding Destination

Gradually, Thailand has emerged as a promising land of honeymoon destination for LGBTQ wedding tourism, offering a diverse range of picturesque venues favorable for same-sex couples. This research paper discusses the multifaceted appeal of Thailand by mentioning the beautiful landscapes, culturally inclusive environment, and the growing acceptance of LGBTQ rights. The paper discusses the legal environment of Thai marriage, considering the difficulties facing the LBGTQ couples and the limitations of the present times, including the non-recognition of same-sex marriages under Thai law. On the other hand, it also discusses how weddings from the LGBTQ community have gone up, reflecting changes in societal attitudes and creating Thailand as a haven for couples seeking out acceptance and celebration of their love. It also lists all popular LGBTQ wedding venues-from five-star hotels to dreamy beach resorts-and mentions what really sets them apart: catering services designed with same-sex couples in mind. Cultural elements discussed herein involve an examination of traditional Thai wedding ceremonies and the aspect of inclusivity to understand their contribution to the experiences of LGBTQ weddings. It concludes with a presentation of some effective marketing strategies and promotional activities that might include partnering with LGBTQ influencers down to well-churned advertising campaigns that might position Thailand among the top destinations globally for the performance of LGBTQ marriage ceremonies. Against this backdrop, the present study explores a sensitive area in which Thai operators are showing huge potential to attract LGBTQ grooms and brides, first in the development of wedding tourism and secondly to increase acceptance of sexual orientation diversity across the region.

‘Two Families Rejected Her; We Won’t’—Experiences of Same-Sex Couples in the Chilean Public Adoption System

In Chile, same-sex couples have faced legal and social barriers that limit their equitable access to the adoption process. Objective: To explore the experiences of three same-sex couples who completed the adoption process in the Chilean public system before implementing the equal marriage law in 2022. Method: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews to collect narratives from adoptive families. The information was analyzed using qualitative content analysis, identifying patterns and emerging themes. Results: It was revealed that families identified a market-driven logic within the adoption process, where personal preferences and prejudices influence the adoption decisions of traditional families, from which same-sex couples try to distance themselves. Additionally, significant challenges related to emotional bonding and family adaptation post-adoption were identified. Same-sex couples reported being clearly in a different position compared to traditional families and faced additional difficulties due to a lack of institutional support and insufficient post-adoption follow-up. Discussion and Conclusions: The need for structural reforms in the Chilean adoption system is highlighted to ensure equity and fair treatment for all families, regardless of their composition. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of implementing inclusive policies that recognize and support family diversity, promoting a fairer and more equitable adoption system that ensures the well-being of all children involved.

How free are classroom teachers? Understanding teacher academic freedom in the United States and Canada

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of an international survey of teachers’ perspectives on academic freedom. We surveyed 173 social studies and science teachers from the United States and Canada about the importance of academic freedom, their comfort level broaching controversial topics in four broad areas (politics, economics, health and safety, and science), and the factors that influence their decision-making around discussing controversial topics. The study found that teachers value academic freedom despite being aware of how limited their freedom is in practice. Particularly controversial topics included safe injection sites, abortion, prisons, medically assisted dying, and same-sex marriage. Analysis via Mann-Whitney U tests was conducted to analyse whether teachers’ individual differences (e.g., experience, gender, or job status) influenced their pedagogical approach. Gender and years of experience had little influence, but teachers’ cautiousness was significantly influenced by whether they have tenure and the political climate of the area where they work.