TY - JOUR
T1 - “It may be legal, but it is not treated equally”
T2 - marriage equality and well-being implications for same-sex couples
AU - Kennedy, Heather R.
AU - Dalla, Rochelle L.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2020/1/2
Y1 - 2020/1/2
N2 - Despite the monumental victory of marriage equality for same-sex couples, sexual and gender minorities continue to face barriers toward full equality in a variety of contexts. This study adds to limited research examining the impact of marital recognition on personal and relational well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach we explored the experiences of 218 Midwestern, married, same-sex couple members. We contend perceptions of recognition influence distinct aspects of personal well-being for those in married same-sex relationships. Individuals residing in states without marriage equality displayed significantly greater negative affect than their peers in marriage equality contexts. Qualitative findings revealed themes of legitimacy and security following marriage, but clear distinctions in experiences were evident based on legal recognition. Collectively, participants’ expressed a stronger relational bond following marriage. Perceived recognition, via state policy, served as a catalyst for many couples to take refuge in specific residential locales. Yet, regardless of context, narratives depicted minority stress experiences including encountering affirmation and opposition to their identities and relationships.
AB - Despite the monumental victory of marriage equality for same-sex couples, sexual and gender minorities continue to face barriers toward full equality in a variety of contexts. This study adds to limited research examining the impact of marital recognition on personal and relational well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach we explored the experiences of 218 Midwestern, married, same-sex couple members. We contend perceptions of recognition influence distinct aspects of personal well-being for those in married same-sex relationships. Individuals residing in states without marriage equality displayed significantly greater negative affect than their peers in marriage equality contexts. Qualitative findings revealed themes of legitimacy and security following marriage, but clear distinctions in experiences were evident based on legal recognition. Collectively, participants’ expressed a stronger relational bond following marriage. Perceived recognition, via state policy, served as a catalyst for many couples to take refuge in specific residential locales. Yet, regardless of context, narratives depicted minority stress experiences including encountering affirmation and opposition to their identities and relationships.
KW - Same-sex couples
KW - legal recognition
KW - marriage
KW - minority stress
KW - well-being
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85074697231&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85074697231&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/10538720.2019.1681340
DO - 10.1080/10538720.2019.1681340
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85074697231
SN - 1053-8720
VL - 32
SP - 67
EP - 98
JO - Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
JF - Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
IS - 1
ER -