How do cultural and societal narratives about heterosexual marriages impact acceptance and lived experience of same-sex couples?
Societies have various beliefs, ideologies, and values regarding marriage that determine their norms, practices, and expectations. These ideas are often handed down from one generation to another through education, media, laws, and institutions such as churches, families, and governments.
Most cultures view marriage as an institution whereby individuals become legally bound to each other for life while sharing responsibilities towards children and property. They also believe that men should marry women and vice versa because they think it is natural and healthy.
Societies rarely consider how these rules affect same-sex partners who desire to get married. Although some countries permit same-sex unions, many others still deny them the right to enjoy matrimony. Such legal barriers limit the number of people who can enter into same-sex unions, hence creating barriers and stigma.
Some communities do not recognize or approve of same-sex relationships. Therefore, same-sex couples must hide their sexual orientation, suffer discrimination or abuse or live in fear of losing custody of children born in their unions. Some religions label homosexuals as sinners and threaten them with eternal damnation if they engage in same-sex sex. This has created a culture of shame and secrecy around homosexuality, making it difficult for gays and lesbians to speak openly about their intimate lives.
Aside from the legal issues faced by same-sex couples, cultural narratives impact their acceptance in society. Most communities view heterosexual marriages positively and encourage young people to aspire to this ideal life. While same-sex couples might seek to gain access to marriage benefits like child support, adoption rights, inheritance rights, and tax breaks, they are often met with prejudice. The general perception is that gay and lesbian partnerships have no future, are unnatural, immoral, and cannot produce offspring. They also lack social recognition as legitimate family units, forcing many to live their entire lives without any public acknowledgment of their relationship. Some parents also reject their children when they come out because they believe that homosexuality violates societal norms and values. As a result, these individuals endure rejection, ostracism, or even violence.
Cultural ideals influence how same-sex couples express themselves physically and emotionally.
Straight relationships enjoy full intimacy such as kissing, holding hands, hugging, and sexual touching in public while LGBTQ+ couples face discrimination. Heterosexual couples can also receive emotional and financial support from relatives who might not support same-sex partners. As a result, same-sex couples must struggle financially while hiding their identities, creating a vicious cycle.
Despite facing various challenges, some members of the LGBTQ+ community manage to find love and happiness through matrimony. They fight against stereotypes, laws, and cultural barriers to establish their own families and demonstrate that their relationships deserve respect, dignity, and acceptance.
How do cultural and societal narratives around marriage affect acceptance and lived experiences of same-sex couples?
Marriage is a social institution that has been shaped by various cultural and societal factors throughout history. The concept of marriage has changed over time due to changes in societal norms and values. Historically, marriage was seen as an arrangement between families rather than individuals. This resulted in arranged marriages where parents chose partners for their children based on economic and social status.