I think it's really interesting because at first it was so universally portrayed as this massive thing where every single gay couple was going out and getting married and there were lines around the block, etc. I wonder what the actual numbers are of like gay couples living together for a year or more (or something) vs. number getting married or with plans to get married. I also think that this will have an impact on general standards in our society regarding how accepted it is to have children out of marriage; if it's not culturally necessary/recommended in gay culture, it seems that marriage could start "going out of style" with everyone.
I found the tone of this article very interesting. I know many people who were previously barred from marriage are planning to get married now that it's legal but this overwhelming evidence that so many who aren't going to bother with the technicality sort of invalidates those who were so vocal against gay marriage in the first place. I also found it heartening to see how many people in the LGBTQ+ community were more focussed on the fact that a relationship is what you make it not what the law declares it because this gives them more power than those who would take their life choices away from them.
I don't think it matters a whole lot whether or not same-sex couples choose to get married. What mattered (and continues to for those living in the 36 states where such unions remain illegal) is the principle of being able to do so. I found the point about how many who identify as LGBTQ+ see marriage as an oppressive institution with patriarchal/heteronormative connotations to be rather interesting. I think it makes sense too, considering that these are the individuals who tend to have to fight gender norms more often, and, by extension, have to think more consciously about both their presence and effects.
The difference between sixty and seventy percent is sixteen percent. That's actual a lot of people, even if it doesn't feel that big. This article really goes to show that while some people grow up dreaming about their big, pretty marriage, not everyone does, and that is OKAY. That is NORMAL. Why should they be any different?
started by liz archer on 28 Oct 13
I found the point about how many who identify as LGBTQ+ see marriage as an oppressive institution with patriarchal/heteronormative connotations to be rather interesting. I think it makes sense too, considering that these are the individuals who tend to have to fight gender norms more often, and, by extension, have to think more consciously about both their presence and effects.