There is a growing body of research exploring the impact that cultural background has on romantic relationships among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals.
Much less attention has been given to how cultural heritage intersects with sexual orientation to affect relationship outcomes such as relationship satisfaction and emotional support within these partnerships. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on this intersection and its implications for LGBTQ+ relationship dynamics. The article will begin with an introduction to the relevant research literature, followed by a discussion of the theoretical frameworks used to understand this intersection. Next, the empirical studies examining the intersection will be summarized, and their findings analyzed and synthesized.
Implications and future directions for research and practice will be discussed.
Research has shown that cultural values can shape individuals' expectations about what constitutes a successful relationship, which in turn can influence the quality of their current relationship.
In collectivist cultures where interdependence is highly valued, individuals may seek greater emotional closeness and support from their partner than those from individualistic cultures (Hu et al., 2013). Similarly, some cultural norms may place more emphasis on traditional gender roles or family structures, which can impact the way that LGBTQ+ individuals navigate their identities and form relationships (Dunbar-Ainley & Steward, 2018). These cultural factors can also interact with sexual orientation to create unique challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking to build satisfying relationships.
Homophobia and transphobia are often more prevalent in some cultures than others, creating additional barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals who may already face discrimination and stigma based on their identity (Rothman et al., 2016).
Some cultural beliefs about sex and intimacy may differ between straight and queer partners, leading to misunderstandings and conflict within the relationship (Spencer et al., 2017).
Despite these potential challenges, many studies have found that LGBTQ+ individuals can still find happiness and fulfillment in relationships, even when their cultural background differs from their partner's.
Despite this growing body of research, there remain gaps in our understanding of how cultural heritage intersects with sexual orientation to affect relationship outcomes such as satisfaction and emotional support. One key issue is the lack of diverse samples used in existing studies; most research has focused on White, middle-class, cisgender participants living in Western countries (Spencer et al., 2017). This means that we do not yet know whether findings generalize to other cultural or socioeconomic groups or if they vary across different contexts.
There is a need for more nuanced exploration of how specific aspects of culture, such as family structures or gender roles, impact relationship dynamics among LGBTQ+ individuals.
Future research should also consider the role of power dynamics within relationships, including how cultural norms around race, class, and ability interact with sexual orientation and gender identity to shape relationship satisfaction and emotional support. By addressing these gaps in the literature, researchers can gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between cultural heritage and sexual orientation in LGBTQ+ romantic relationships and develop more effective strategies for supporting healthy and satisfying partnerships.
How does the intersection of sexual orientation and cultural heritage influence relationship satisfaction and emotional support in Swiss LGBTQ+ partnerships?
In Switzerland, the intersection of sexual orientation and cultural heritage can have both positive and negative impacts on relationship satisfaction and emotional support for LGBTQ+ partnerships. While some studies have found that cultural norms surrounding heterosexuality and traditional gender roles may lead to increased stigma and discrimination against same-sex couples, others suggest that the unique experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals within their communities can create a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships.