Gay and Lesbian Relationships
America has a reluctance to accept relationships between people
of the same gender. This reluctance follows a similar pattern to
the hostility towards interracial relationships. Although
increasing, acceptance of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and
transgendered persons' relationships are not widespread in
America today. The stereotype remains that these groups practice
promiscuous lifestyles.
Many homosexuals currently seek marriage rights in order to
recognize their committed relationships. This campaign for gay
marriage rights has been met with acceptance and hostility.
Several states recently voted to revise the wording for legal
marriages so that a marriage can only exist between a man and a
woman. In addition, several states have witnessed court
decisions legalizing same sex marriage. The issue is very
polarizing in America, and the opposition to gay marriage is
largely based on religious, moral, and cultural beliefs. In
order to defuse some of this polarization, some states have
found middle ground in recognizing "civil unions" for same sex
couples.
Despite the political climate for the hot-button issue of gay
marriage, the media has taken forward steps to increase
acceptance by portraying human relationships in alternative
lifestyles. Additionally, there is a very strong community for
gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered persons that can
offer lots of support, if not in every town, than at least on
the internet. Books, websites, television programs, and other
media are offering more options geared to couples that break the
heterosexual norm.
Perhaps because the country is so divided by the issue, gay and
lesbian relationships have received increased attention and
debate in the past decade.