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Contrary to deep-rooted common belief, two men as a couple or two women as a couple do not mimic the male and female roles of an opposite-sex couple. Within a couple of two women, neither person takes on the masculine role or the other more feminine role. The same holds true for two men in a couple. On the other hand, just as with opposite-sex couples, commitment, support, mutual assistance, equality, being counterparts, and task sharing represent some of the values defended by same-sex couples. In this respect, they do not differ from opposite-sex couples at all.
It is often during a crush on someone of the same sex when a young man or woman becomes aware of their homosexuality and sets off on his or her first couple relationship. Rarely are parents prepared to embrace this kind of situation. Despite this, their parental love will enable them to be by their child’s side in his or her new life. |
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Like heterosexual couples, gay and lesbian couples need to have a satisfying sex life. There is no point in wondering about male or female roles within the sexual relationship. Each couple determines its sexual behaviour and its commitment toward the other member.
Just as opposite-sex couples do, same-sex couples, too, may experience domestic violence. However, many are less likely to seek help because they fear how people might view the relationship.
The majority of same-sex couples do not have children. They wish to live together and do not want to be separated at the last crucial moment of their lives. Some are not comfortable with the idea of making their union official. Nonetheless, they need to be encouraged to provide for the necessary arrangements that will prevent them from being wronged toward the end of their lives.
Some countries, such as Canada since 2005, recognize civil marriage and common-law marriage for same-sex couples. The situation varies depending on the country. Many countries recognize a legal status without extending it to include marriage. As for religious ceremonies, Churches themselves are to decide what guidelines they will follow. |
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Campaign goals |
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The main goal of the annual campaigns is to combat homophobia. What’s more, each year the choice of a theme aims to raise people’s awareness of a particular issue. The purpose of the theme Same-sex Couple - A Story of Love is to: |
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dispel the narrow perceptions of gay and lesbian relationships according to which being gay or lesbian is basically only supposed to be about having sex; |
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inform people that, legally, same-sex couples are on a par with opposite-sex couples; |
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show that same-sex couple relationships are a lifestyle; |
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increase the standing of couple relationships among gay men and lesbians; |
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demonstrate that same-sex couple relationships have always existed; |
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spread the idea that societies embracing sexual diversity are societies that welcome diversity in all its forms. | | |
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| Children of same-sex parents |
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Many gay men or lesbians, either single or as a couple, wish to have children either through adoption or via assisted procreation and, in several countries such as Canada, children will have legal ties with their two parents.
As for the child’s development, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics came to the following conclusion:
“A growing body of scientific literature demonstrates that children who grow up with 1 or 2 gay and/or lesbian parents fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual.
Children’s optimal development seems to be influenced more by the nature of the relationships and interactions within the family unit than by the particular structural form it takes.”
Pediatrics, vol. 109, nº 2, February 2002, pp. 341-344 - American Academy of Pediatrics, Technical Report: Coparent or Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents, Ellen C. Perrin, MD and Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health |
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Many famous same-sex couples have marked history, literature, the arts, politics, and science, and in all civilizations and during all periods. Among these couples, some have remained discreet with their relationship. Other bold couples have been proud to be different and have demanded their right to equality.
Here are the names of a few famous people who have become role models for generations of gay men and lesbians: Leonardo da Vinci and Salai, Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, Marguerite Yourcenar and Grace Frick, Frida Kahlo and Chavela Vargas, Rock Hudson and Marc Christian MacGinnis, Martina Navratilova and Julia Lemigova, Matthew Mitcham and Lachlan Fletcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, George Smitherman and Christopher Peloso, Jodie Foster and Cydney Bernard, Adam Lambert and Drake LaBry. | |