Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) Young Adults’ Relational Well-Being Before and After Taiwanese Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Abstract

In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Such an historic shift in the legal landscape toward marriage equality in Taiwan presents a timely and unique opportunity to investigate the interplay of a lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)-affirmative policy (i.e., marriage equality) and the well-being of LGB people. Existing quantitative studies on same-sex marriage have yielded compelling evidence about its positive effects on LGB individuals’ psychosocial health. However, no research has examined the relational dimension of the effect associated with same-sex marriage policy. Furthermore, a relational focus requires a researcher to solicit narratives from LGB young adults’ significant others (e.g., parents). This research project seeks to address these gaps by addressing whether legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan will improve Taiwanese LGB young adults’ relational well-being. Qualitative data were collected from 30 in-depth, dyadic interviews with 15 LGB young Taiwanese adults aged between 18 and 39 years and their parents. Each participant took part in two interviews conducted before and after the passage of the legalization of same-sex marriage, respectively. Transcribed interviews will be analyzed following an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) where we seek insight into a social actor’s inner perceptions in a wider context of social relationships. Multiple measures will be undertaken to ensure study rigor. Findings from this study will add to the evaluative endeavors of marriage equality policy enacted in Taiwan by highlighting relational well-being and the perspectives of LGB young adults’ relevant others.

Diversity and Inclusion: Impacts on Psychological Wellbeing Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communities

“…Adolescence is a transitional stage during which adolescents discover their identity, and for LGBTQ adolescents, it is also the period during which they gain an awareness of their own gender identity and sexual preference (Prock and Kennedy, 2020). Research has shown shifting relationships throughout adolescence and young adulthood, with a corresponding change in commitment to friends and social classes apart from the family, as well as to entities such as education, colleges, religious or political communities (Huang, 2020;Jordan, 2020). Recognition by support communities is a powerful preventive mechanism for LGBTQ children and adolescents (Call et al, 2021).…”

Parental acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual children in Taiwan: Towards relationship‐based practice

“…Data for this study came from a larger qualitative investigation of the effects of same‐sex marriage in Taiwan (Huang, 2020) in which parental responses to and acceptance of their child's sexual identity were part of the study focus. The full project comprised two waves of interviews with the same participants and involved both LGB young adults and one of their parents.…”

The Cross-Regional Impact of Taiwan’s Same-Sex Marriage Legalisation: The Queer Economy of Welfare Mix

“…In terms of family life and family-related welfare, Taiwan's legalised same-sex marriage has provided more options for LGBTQ+ individuals to develop their intimate and family relations (Huang and Hang, 2023). Importantly, gaining legal marital status grants same-sex couples the rights associated with families and enables them to access welfare benefits.…”