In considering the nature of romantic relationship dissolution, it is important to recognize the unique experience that LGBTQ+ couples may have in the modern world. Specifically, as argued by Lannutti (2014), dynamic sociocultural contextual factors related to these relationships, such as discrimination and changes in legal recognition, may meaningfully affect the relational lives of non-heterosexual people. This assertion, that sociocultural context plays a meaningful role in the dissolution of romantic relationships, is echoed by evolutionary scholars. Thus, in this chapter, we seek to highlight research that recognizes the unique experience of LGBTQ+ relationship dissolution. Although the corpus of knowledge regarding LGBTQ+ relationship dissolution remains sparse, we will provide an overview of what knowledge has been generated up to this point. To begin, we will engage the somewhat thorny topic of how LGBTQ+ relationships have been incorporated into evolutionary theorizing and research. Following this discussion, we articulate some dissolution-relevant relationship features that make the experience of being in a LGBTQ+ relationship different from that of a mixed-sex relationship. Next, we discuss how the actual process of dissolution might differ in LGBTQ+ relationships. Where possible, we draw out insights that evolutionary perspectives may offer in interpreting some of the findings we review. Finally, we offer areas in which we feel that research on LGBTQ+ relationship dissolution can grow moving forward.
This chapter surveys theory and research on transgender identity and disclosures. Historically, transgender people in Western societies represent a highly stigmatized population who are likely to encounter significant communication challenges. Interpersonally, transgender people often grapple with privacy and disclosure, especially in regards to when, where, how, and with whom to disclose their gender identity, as they risk rejection from friends and family and experiencing violence. Thus, insofar as transgender individuals find that conversations about their sexuality and/or gender identity are proscribed by society and carry the threat of stigmatizing or violent personal and interpersonal outcomes, discussion of transgender identity can be seen as a taboo topic. In light of that, this chapter surveys theory and research on transgender identity and disclosures.
Sexual satisfaction plays an important role in the mental, physical, emotional, and relational lives of all individuals of all sexual orientations. However, the study of sexual satisfaction among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals has been hampered by a number of conceptual and methodological shortcomings. Research on sexual satisfaction has largely been conducted among individuals in mixed-gender relationships, thereby developing and utilizing measures that are heteronormative, penis–vagina focused, and centered on monogamy. Although conceptualizations and operationalizations of sexual satisfaction in the lives of LGB individuals have been imperfect, some key findings related to this construct can be drawn from the literature. Sexual satisfaction is directly related to relationship satisfaction and quality of communication, and inversely related to homonegativity. It varies by relationship arrangements, commitment levels, living arrangements, individual difference variables (such as age, socioeconomic status, and religious affiliation), and sexual orientation. Research on sexual satisfaction can continue to grow by searching for core elements of sexual satisfaction that might be stable across all orientations, incorporating insights from both quantitative and qualitative methods, and being mindful of traditionally excluded populations, such as individuals who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
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