The Close Relationships of Lesbians and Gay Men

Abstract

This article reviews empirical studies of same-sex couples in the United States, highlighting consistent findings, drawing comparisons to heterosexual couples, and noting gaps in available research. U.S. Census data indicate that there were more than 600,000 same-sex couples living together in 2000. Research about relationship formation, the division of household labor, power, satisfaction, sexuality, conflict, commitment, and relationship stability is presented. Next, we highlight three recent research topics: the legalization of same-sex relationships through civil unions and same-sex marriage, the experiences of same-sex couples raising children, and the impact of societal prejudice and discrimination on same-sex partners. We conclude with comments about the contributions of empirical research to debunking negative stereotypes of same-sex couples, testing the generalizability of theories about close relationships, informing our understanding of gender and close relationships, and providing a scientific basis for public policy.

Perspectives on contemporary lesbian relationships

“…And indeed, contrary to many stereotypical notions about how different (or dysfunctional) same-sex relationships would be, research generally indicated that they appear to operate in largely the same manner as their heterosexual counterparts, with the same types of factors generally associated with relationship satisfaction (e.g., Kurdek, 2004; see review in Peplau & Fingerhut, 2007). Moreover, where differences have been found to exist, they may be in a positive direction, such as a greater emphasis on equality within same-sex relationships and more effective conflict resolution behaviors (e.g., Gottman et al, 2003;Kurdek, 2005).…”

Victimization Among Female and Male Sexual Minority Status Groups: Evidence From the British Crime Survey 2007–2010

“…However, the precise nature of bisexuals' intimate relationships is not well documented and, for example, whether bisexuals' greater victimisation from intimate partners occurs when they are in a same-sex or an opposite-sex relationship is uncertain from the research. Many bisexuals are in heterosexual relationships (Buxton, 2004) and although there is some research on the close relationships of lesbians and gay men (Peplau & Fingerhut, 2007) there is currently little research on bisexual experiences in heterosexual relationships. Importantly, that which does exist does not demonstrate that such relationships are more likely to involve violence (Wolf, 1985).…”

Relationship of Love Styles and Romantic Attachment Styles in Gay Men

“…Participants who were avoidant style in their romantic attachment reported more Ludus love style (i.e., game-playing) compared to individuals with the other two romantic attachment styles (i.e., secure or anxious ambivalent). Peplau and Fingerhut (2007) Researchers have demonstrated that many negative social stereotypes towards gays and lesbians romantic relationships are not accurate. For example, the media have stereotyped these types of relationships as unstable and portray gays and lesbians as unhappy in their romantic relationships.…”

“…Another social stereotype is that these gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals are unable to establish intimate, passionate kinds of love and relationships compared to heterosexual individuals despite the similarities in heterosexual couples and gay and lesbian couples in their romantic relationships in terms of satisfaction and love experiences in the research. Cultural stereotypes (i.e., "butch versus "fem") of gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals as mimicking "husband" and "wife" roles have also been projected in the mainstream culture, which are not accurate (Peplau and Fingerhut, 2007); gays and lesbians divide the roles by personal interests and area of expertise in terms of household labor (Peplau and Fingerhut, 2007).…”

“…As previously mentioned, the media have reinforced many stereotypes in lesbian and gay romantic relationships that researchers found not to be accurate (Peplau and Fingerhut, 2007). Previous researchers have explored different experiences of love, love styles, and romantic attachment and the relationship of these variables and gender differences in heterosexual samples Hall, Hendrick, & Hendrick, 1991;Feeney & Noller, 1990;Levy & Davis, 1988;Gaines & Henderson, 2002;Fricker & Moore, 2002).…”