R. Green, M. P. LaSala, and J. M. Hammersmith titled “Queer Polyamory: A Review of the Literature” that was published in the book “The Routledge Handbook of Polyamory” in 2018. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research on queer polyamorous relationships. It explores a range of topics, including the history of queer polyamory, the experiences of queer polyamorous people, and the challenges and benefits of queer polyamorous relationships. The chapter is based on a variety of research methods, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups. It offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of queer polyamorous relationships.
The authors provide a definition of polyamory as a relationship style that goes beyond monogamy and involves multiple consenting adults. Polyamory challenges traditional ideas of monogamy and promotes the creation of egalitarian relationships. Queer polyamory is a specific type of polyamory that is practiced by people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
The term “polyamory” was first coined in the 1970s by Morning Glory Zellman. Zellman was a radical feminist who believed that monogamy was a form of oppression. She argued that polyamory could provide a more egalitarian alternative to monogamy. Polyamory began to gain popularity in the 1990s. This was due in part to the rise of the internet, which made it easier for polyamorous people to connect with each other. Polyamory has continued to grow in popularity in recent years.
Queer polyamory can challenge traditional notions of gender and gender role. In polyamorous relationships, people are free to express their sexuality in a variety of ways. This can lead to more egalitarian relationships.
The authors posit, men are still more likely to be in polyamorous relationships than women. This is likely due to the fact that men are still seen as more desirable wealthier partners. In addition, polyamorous relationships can be hierarchical. This means that some partners may have more power than others. This can lead to conflict and jealousy.
Queer polyamorous people face stigma from both the LGBTQIA+ community and the general public. This stigma can make it difficult for queer polyamorous people to find support and acceptance. Despite these challenges, queer polyamorous people also report a number of benefits from their relationships. These benefits include:
- Increased intimacy: Polyamorous relationships can provide increased intimacy for all partners. This is because polyamorous relationships allow partners to have multiple close relationships.
- Better communication: Polyamorous relationships require good communication skills. This is because polyamorous partners need to be able to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and desires.
- More support: Polyamorous relationships can provide more support for all partners. This is because polyamorous partners can rely on each other for support, both emotional and practical.
Queer polyamory is a complex and nuanced topic. There are both challenges and benefits to queer polyamory. It is important for queer polyamorous people to be aware of both the challenges and benefits before entering into a polyamorous relationship.
The findings of this chapter have implications for research, practice, and policy. It suggests that more research is needed on queer polyamorous relationships. It also suggests that practitioners and policymakers should be aware of the challenges and benefits of queer polyamory. In terms of practice, there is a need for more training for practitioners who work with queer polyamorous people. This training could cover topics such as the ethics of non-monogamy, the communication skills needed for polyamorous relationships, and the resources available to queer polyamorous people.
Reference:
Title: “Queer Polyamory: A Review of the Literature”
Book: “The Routledge Handbook of Polyamory”
Year of publication: 2018