Article
The Impact of Marriage Equality on Sexual Minority Women’s Relationships With Their Families of Origin
Journal of Homosexuality
(2017)
Abstract
Support from family of origin is important to the health and wellbeing of sexual minority women (SMW) and structural stigma may impact that support. The recent extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples in all U.S. states provided an opportunity to examine whether this change in law would impact the relationship of SMW with their families of origin regarding their same-sex relationships, including marriage. Interviews with 20 SMW were conducted to learn about their perceptions of how support from families of origin had been impacted by or changed since the U.S. Supreme Court decision (Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584, 2015). Thematic analysis of the narrative responses revealed stories of continued family support; increases in acceptance or support; mixed support/rejection or unclear messages; “don’t ask, don’t tell” or silence; and continued or increased family rejection. Most participant narratives included more than one theme. Implications for SMW's health and relationships are discussed.
Keywords
- Bisexual women,
- family relationships,
- lesbian,
- marriage equality,
- same-sex relationships
Disciplines
Publication Date
December 22, 2017
DOI
10.1080/00918369.2017.1407611
Publisher Statement
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Citation Information
Ellen D.B. Riggle, Laurie A. Drabble, Cindy B. Veldhuis, Angie R. Wootton, et al.. "The Impact of Marriage Equality on Sexual Minority Women’s Relationships With Their Families of Origin" Journal of Homosexuality Vol. 65 Iss. 9 (2017) p. 1190 - 1206 ISSN: 0091-8369 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/laurie_drabble/99/