scholarly journals “There’s no reason to do monogamy”: Evidence for and Characteristics Associated with a Strong Desire for Consensual Nonmonogamy

Author(s):  
Jennifer Arter ◽  
Sacha S. Bunge

Abstract Introduction Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) is a form of relationship practiced by many despite widespread stigma against it. In this study, we explore evidence of strong, persistent desire for CNM among some individuals, and look for commonalities among these individuals. Method Between February 2019 and June 2020, we conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 51 US adults who had practiced CNM for between 3 and 50 years, recruited via community contacts and snowball method. Participants reported a broad diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities; 62.7% reported European/white ancestry. We conducted thematic analysis to examine evidence of strong, persistent desire for CNM and common characteristics and experiences among participants. Results We describe 7 sub-themes that suggest a strong desire for CNM, such as pursuing CNM early in life, experiencing difficulties in attempts at monogamy, and describing one’s desire for CNM as enduring or unchangeable. We then describe 9 characteristics and experiences that were common among participants, such as a preference for autonomy, not experiencing categorical distinctions among relationships, desiring to make life plans with multiple adults, and exposure to communities whose norms do not assume monogamy. Conclusions Our data indicate a pattern of desires, life choices, and self-perceptions suggesting that some individuals strongly desire and persistently pursue CNM (whereas others appear to be comfortable with both CNM and monogamy). Policy Implications Our results suggest that some individuals consistently desire and pursue CNM relationships, and therefore would benefit from efforts toward destigmatization and reduction of institutional disadvantage against the practice of CNM.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Wright-Bevans ◽  
Katie Wright-Bevans ◽  
Carrie Childs ◽  
Jenny Hallam

Historically, those who hold minority sexual and gender identities have been pathologized, discriminated against and marginalised. However, much less is known about those who hold multiple minority statuses concurrently and are gender and sexually diverse (GSD). Similarly, literature that explores the intersection between GSD between and beyond the binary is scarce. Yet, GSD communities experience poor mental and health outcomes and high suicide rates that have been associated with social rejection. The present study included 119 GSD participants across trans, non-binary, Bi+ and ace communities. Participants completed an online survey which contained questions relating to their sexual identity, of which 43 made unsolicited references to their gender identities. Subsequently, this study aimed to explore how GSD individuals experience their gender identity in relation to their sexual identity via reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified. Findings highlighted the importance of attaining gender congruence to attain sexual congruence and alterations in sexual attraction during gender affirmation as being understood in both psychological and biological contexts. Additionally, participants experienced their GSD as being gatekept from all angles. Particularly, invalidating familial interactions towards GSD were detrimental to positive self-concepts beyond cishet ideals. Consequently, participants risked becoming their own barrier in the expression of their own GSD to find shelter amongst cisheteronormativity. Importantly, participants exhibited self-acceptance and resilience in the form of affirmative interactions. These findings showcase the importance of acceptance and resilience building within and outside of GSD communities. Furthermore, this study proposes pathways towards resilience and recovery through the understanding and dissemination of expert companionship to institutions, professionals, allies, and GSD communities alike.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 660-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Gonçalves ◽  
Michely Aline Rodrigues do Prado ◽  
Simone Santana da Silva ◽  
Karen da Silva Santos ◽  
Priscila Norié de Araujo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the interference of leprosy in women’s life regarding work and daily life activities. Method: Exploratory qualitative study developed from semi-structured interviews and with the use of field diaries. The strategy of the organization of data was a thematic analysis of content and referential of the work process in health and gender. Results: The themes presented are: “The leprosy pains”, “Changes with the disease and adaptation at work and activities” and “Being a woman with leprosy”. On them, we present the aspects that changed in women’s life from the leprosy, especially regarding work and daily activities. Beyond physical limitation, there are impacts on social relations and above all on formal work, there may even be dismission. Final considerations: In women affected by leprosy, work and daily activities are directly affected; this deepens the social difficulties and requires attention of health professionals.


Author(s):  
Radhika Seiler-Ramadas ◽  
Lovro Markovic ◽  
Chase Staras ◽  
Laura Llop Medina ◽  
Jelena Perak ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction In Europe, young sexual and gender minority (SGM) people continue to face discrimination in the labour sector despite advances in legislation towards their acceptance and equal treatment. Non-discrimination policy strategies helping SGM individuals are not equally enforced in all contexts, making it difficult for many SGM individuals to disclose their identity, hence undermining their health and well-being. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 with 55 SGM youth (18–27 years) having work experience from Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain and the UK. Results From the analysis, three overarching themes were significant: (1) societal discrimination played a major role in sociocultural factors and policy considerations, (2) workplace discrimination had distinct factors and impacts on SGM individuals and (3) SGM inclusion should use strategies to ensure workplace diversity and equality. Conclusions SGM individuals from contexts of poor acceptance tended to hide their identity in the workplace, while transgender and non-binary individuals were prone to experience force-disclosure and discrimination in all aspects of employment. There is a lack of resolute reaction from policy makers in managing problems faced by SGM people in workplaces. New laws improving the status of SGM people need to be further adopted, staff training should be implemented, and managers are crucial in achieving an inclusive climate in the workplace. Policy Implications It is essential to implement policies on how to effectively handle problems faced by sexual and gender minority people in the workplace.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-388
Author(s):  
Lucie Fremlova

Roma of minority sexual and gender identities experience oppression and inequality as Roma and LGBTIQ. Moving past a frame of reference in Romani Studies that has often foregrounded ethnicity, this article utilises the lived experiences of LGBTIQ Roma in order to explore understandings of Romani identities as fluid but nonetheless informed by interlocking axes of inequality. Data were generated through participant observation, focus groups and interviews with LGBTIQ Roma, and were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that individuals who self-identify as Roma also make multiple identifications on other grounds, including sex/gender, sexuality, gender identity or class. In this article, I argue that reading intersectionality in conjunction with queer assemblages – ‘queer intersectionalities’ – benefits queer (non-normative) intersectional understandings of Romani identities as not anchored in the notion of fixed ‘groupness’ or essentialist difference while allowing us to identify and interrogate the inequitable workings of asymmetrical hegemonic power relations constitutive of binary social norm(ativitie)s.


2020 ◽  
pp. 155708512095348
Author(s):  
Breanna Boppre ◽  
Shon M. Reed

Since the 1970s, the number of women under correctional supervision has risen drastically. With the increase in women’s system-involvement, it is important to consider the impact that crime-focused labels may have on women’s self-perceptions and reentry. This study applies a feminist lens to labeling theory. Through phenomenological interviews and focus groups with 19 women under community supervision in a Northwestern State, women’s responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged highlighting the distinct contexts of women’s responses to labels and the impacts of such labels on their lives. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.


Author(s):  
Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed

This chapter addresses how the nineteenth century, and its waves of colonization around the world, saw the medicalization of the representation that individuals within European societies, France, the UK, and Arab-Muslim societies developed of their national identities, until then considered to be “cultural,” or even civilizational, identities, in particular, through the “normalization” of sexual orientations and gender identities.


Author(s):  
Ryan Schwartz ◽  
Carolyn Laub

This chapter chronicles how advocates in California have applied strategic communications research and practice to change policies and build the movement for inclusive and affirming schools. It begins with an exploration of lessons from psychology, neuroscience, and political theory about changing opinions and how those lessons apply to efforts to create schools that are more welcoming for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. It then shows how advocates put those lessons into practice through campaigns that ensured students in California can go to a school that is free of discrimination and includes positive portrayals of people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. While anchored in case studies from the United States, the underlying concepts of how people think, feel, and act—and how advocates can better shape their communications—are universal.


2020 ◽  
pp. 25-53
Author(s):  
Michelson and

Many Americans are uncomfortable with transgender people and rights, and changing those attitudes requires a new approach. This chapter describes Identity Reassurance Theory, a method of helping targets of persuasion shift their attitudes to better align with their preexisting senses of themselves as moral human beings. The chapter also includes key definitions and background about public opinion about various sexual orientations and gender identities, including differences in attitudes toward transgender men and women in different scenarios and environments. Other data explore levels of and predictors of attitudes toward transgender people and rights.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 759-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Salinas-Quiroz ◽  
Pedro Alexandre Costa ◽  
Ignacio Lozano-Verduzco

The purpose of this study was to examine parenting aspiration among a sample of 1,995 childless cisgender, transgender, monosexual (gay/lesbian), and plurisexual (bisexual/pansexual/queer) Mexican individuals, which were compared according to their gender identity (cisgender vs. transgender) and sexual orientation (monosexual vs. plurisexual). For monosexual individuals, only being in a relationship and gender were significantly associated with parenting aspiration whereas for plurisexual individuals, gender, LGBTQ community connectedness, and internalized homo/transnegativity were associated with parenting aspiration. Plurisexual women and transgender individuals reported the lowest level of parenting aspiration, significantly differing from plurisexual men, who reported the highest. Nevertheless, the average score on parenting aspiration was low for the sample as a whole. These findings are discussed in light of Mexico’s current social context and political transformations around family and gender.


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