Relationship functioning of sexual minority people of color.

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, research on sexual minority (SM) or same-sex/gender couples has increased. However, this research has largely reflected White SM couples' experiences via majority White SM participant samples. To highlight the dearth of scholarship on Sexual Minority People of Color (SMPOC) in relationship research, this article provides a review and critique of the empirical literature from January 2010 to June 2020 on the factors associated with romantic relationship functioning among SMPOC. Studies were included for review if they focused on aspects of relationship functioning among SMPOC by centering one racial or ethnic minority population (n = 5) or by utilizing a sample that consisted of 39.9% (U.S. population rate) of racial and ethnic minority participants (n = 10). In total, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review, representing 4.1% of the literature on relationship quality among SM couples. Similar to the research of predominately White SM couples, studies featuring SMPOC indicated high functioning and satisfying romantic relationships, although their dual marginalization required them to navigate unique experiences and challenges. Researchers and practitioners need to account for the role that cultural values, norms, and structures, along with systematic bias and historical contexts, have on the experiences of SMPOC in relationships. Limitations, clinical implications, and recommendations for future research are discussed. Public Significance StatementThis review explores the empirical research on the relationship functioning of Sexual Minority People of Color (SMPOC) in Western countries, from 2010 to 2020. The dearth of research on SMPOC in relationships highlights the importance of accounting for racial, ethnic, and cultural structures, beliefs, and roles within relationships research. Clinical and research implications of a homogenous narrative, a call for broader intersectionality, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Planting gardens and growing beyond the guidelines: Introduction to the special issue.

“…Tornello (2021) took a critical approach and specifically examined relationship functioning for sexual minority persons of color. Utilizing a rigorous method of systematically reviewing scholarship published between 2010 and 2020, Tornello found that much of the extant knowledge base to date has used predominantly white samples.…”

Relationship functioning among sexual minority people of color: Considerations of the 2021 APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons.

“…An important new addition to the updated Guidelines (APA, 2021) is Guideline 8, which emphasizes the importance for psychologists to recognize positive aspects of being a sexual minority, including individual and collective resilience. In line with this new guideline, Tornello’s (2021) careful systematic review and critical evaluation of the available literature offers a refreshing pivot from the standard deficit model we have seen over the past few decades. This approach typically focuses on risk profiles of sexual minority communities, overlooking the resilience, strength, and innovation of sexual minority people—especially those who live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities (Huang et al, 2010).…”

“…Psychologists should make sure to read Guideline 8, and consider ways of utilizing resilience-based intervention to enhance relationship functioning among sexual minority persons of color in romantic relationships. Tornello's (2021) work recognizes the importance of parenting among sexual minority persons of color, which aligns with Guideline 12 (APA, 2021). Psychologists should be aware that there is an overall lack of research and scholarship on the romantic relationships of sexual minority persons of colors within the context of family systems, including stages and roles of family development (e.g., transition to parenthood, child rearing and launching, etc.).…”

“…Tornello’s (2021) article “Relationship Functioning of Sexual Minority People of Color” is an important contribution and highlights the dearth of scholarly focus on relationships of sexual minority people of color. Given the carefully selected inclusion criteria for this review study, the small number of articles included offers a concrete reminder of the extreme lack of attention given to sexual minority communities of color and underscores the dominant white racial narrative of relationships and relationship functioning that persists in the United States (Huang et al, 2010).…”

“…Psychologists should navigate these contexts carefully in clinical practice, and researchers should make concerted efforts to examine these issues more intentionally. Tornello’s (2021) review also thoughtfully acknowledges the diversity of relationships among sexual minority people in alignment with Guideline 9 (APA, 2021). Expanding awareness of diverse relationship structures and consensual nonmonogamy (e.g., polyamory, swinging, open relationships), as well as the generally high functioning and health of these relationships, may contribute to dismantling the stigma toward consensual nonmonogamy that many mental health and medical providers still hold (Schechinger et al, 2018; Vaughan et al, 2019).…”