Same-sex relationship

A same-sex relationship, also known as a same-gender relationship, is a romantic relationship between people of the same sex or gender. These relationships show love and support between people, just like relationships between people of different genders.

Some couples in same-sex relationships have children, both biological or non-biological, such as adoptive or foster children, and parent them with their partner. Families come in many forms, and same-sex families are one of them.

Same-gender or same-sex marriage refers to the official recognition of such relationships as a marriage; civil unions exist in some countries where same-sex marriage does not. This means that in many places, people in same-sex relationships can have their partnerships officially recognized by the government, giving them the same rights and responsibilities as other couples.

Terminology

Historically, same-sex relationships were called names like homosexual, gay, or lesbian relationships. This sometimes left out other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, many people use the words same-gender relationship and same-sex relationship. This helps make sure everyone feels included.

In history

Many famous people in history are thought to have loved and had relationships with people of the same sex. These include well-known figures such as Socrates, Alexander the Great, Lord Byron, Edward II, Hadrian, Julius Caesar, Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Oscar Wilde, Vita Sackville-West, Alfonsina Storni, and Christopher Marlowe.

Same-sex relationships have appeared in stories, art, and media for a long time. Writers and artists in many cultures have shown love between people of the same sex in their work. For example, in Iran, writers like Abu Nuwas and Omar Khayyam included such themes. In Japan, many books and paintings explored these ideas, and today, some anime focuses on relationships between young men. Movies, television shows, plays, and video games have also included same-sex relationships, helping people understand and accept them better.

Legal recognition

Main article: LGBTQ rights by country or territory

Rules about relationships between people of the same gender are different in different places. In some countries, couples who love each other and are the same gender can get married, just like couples of different genders. In other places, they might have some rights but not all the same rights as married couples. Some places do not give any special rights to couples of the same gender.

Many countries allow people of the same gender to get married. These include Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. In the United States, couples of the same gender can get married in every state and have the same rights as other married couples.

Further information: Same-sex marriage, Civil union, and Domestic partnership

Same-sex parenting

Main article: Same-sex parenting

Same-sex parenting means children are raised by parents who are in a relationship with someone of the same sex. These parents can be lesbian, gay, or bisexual. They may be the child’s birth parents, or they may have adopted or fostered the child.

In the United States, same-sex couples can adopt children in every state.

Studies show that children raised by same-sex parents grow up to be just as healthy and happy as children raised by parents of different sexes. Experts say that loving and caring parents are the most important factor for children, no matter what the parents’ sexes are.

Same-sex sexuality

Relationships between people of the same sex can look different. Some are short and casual, while others are long and committed. Couples can choose to be exclusive, where they agree to have only each other as a partner, or they can agree to have other partners too. They can also choose to have only one partner (monoamorous) or more than one partner (polyamorous).

Some couples might keep their relationship private because of family, religious beliefs, or pressure from others. These relationships can be recognized by law in different ways, such as marriage, civil unions, or registered partnerships.

People in same-sex relationships might identify in different ways. Some may see themselves as homosexual, bisexual, or even heterosexual. Not everyone who feels attraction toward the same sex will have a same-sex relationship, and many people with bisexual or homosexual feelings do not seek such relationships.

Main article: Men who have sex with men

Main article: Women who have sex with women

Main article: Religion and homosexuality