Same-sex relationship

A same-sex relationship, also known as a same-gender relationship, is a romantic or sexual relationship between people of the same sex or gender. These relationships are important because they 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 institutionalized recognition of such relationships in the form of 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 have been called different names, like homosexual, gay, or lesbian relationships. This sometimes left out other members of the LGBTQ+ community, making it hard to include everyone.

Today, many people use the words same-gender relationship and same-sex relationship to talk about relationships between people who are the same sex or gender. This helps make sure everyone feels included, no matter how they see themselves.

In history

Many famous people throughout 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 differ 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 raising children in families where the parents are of the same sex. These parents can be lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and they may be biological parents, adoptive parents, or foster parents. In the United States, many same-sex couples have children living with them, and laws have changed to allow same-sex couples to adopt in all states.

Research shows that children raised by same-sex parents grow up just as healthy and happy as children raised by parents of different sexes. Many experts agree that good parenting matters more than the sexes of the parents. This means that children with lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender parents can thrive in loving families.

Same-sex sexuality

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

Some couples in same-sex relationships may decide to keep their relationship private due to 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