Same-Sex Couples Face Unique Sexual Problems

Hearing yourself say, "Not tonight honey, I have a headache," a lot? Good reason. A recent study by San Francisco State University sociology professor Allen LeBlanc found that same-sex couples experience as many as 17 unique stressors that heterosexual couples don't -- including lack of acceptance by bio-families, discrimination at work, and the experience of being devalued. Conflict between same-sex couples can arise when "stress discrepancies" occur, as in when one partner is more out, or one has a more accepting family.

Stressors unique to same-sex couples include:
* Internalized stigma
* Coming out as a couple
* Exclusion from social supports
* Lack of role models
* Negotiating gender roles
* Navigating legal benefits (or lack thereof)
* Limitations to participation in family
* Managing stereotypes
* Public scrutiny
* Seeking safety and community
* Terminology regarding the relationship
* Being invisible as a couple and being tempted to hide
* Efforts required to have children
* Rejection, devaluation, and discrimination
* Consequences of unequal legal recognition

Source: Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 2018