Spatial Segregation of Same-sex Couples - The Example of Brazil

• In Event: 090 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (one-hour). Table 01. LGB Marriage and Partnership

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution of same-sex couples in Brazil using newly released census microdata from the 2010 Brazilian census. For the first time in Brazil, the 2010 census included an explicit reference to same-sex partnerships in its questionnaire. The recent publication of a 10% microdata file allows examining the socio-demographic characteristics of partnered gays and lesbians comparing with men and women in heterosexual unions. Furthermore, contrary to the US, the Brazilian public use microdata file provides enough geographical information to examine the spatial distribution of same-sex couples for various aggregates at the sub district level while retaining the individual characteristics of partnered gays and lesbians residing in those areas. To date, the US studies on the spatial segregation of gay and lesbians were made on the basis of aggregate data. Individual microdata with geographic detail allow examining the influence of individual and contextual variables on partnered gay and lesbian spatial patterns. In this paper we explore the degree of spatial segregation of gay and lesbians in union. Homosexual unions are more segregated than heterosexual ones. Gay couples are more spatially segregated than lesbian couples. In a second stage, we use multilevel logistic regression to find which individual and contextual factors are correlated to the residential patterns of partnered gays and lesbians. Do the individuals’ characteristics of gay and lesbians in union explain their residential distribution? Which area characteristics are associated with a high prevalence of gay and lesbian couples? Are there differences between gay and lesbian unions?

Authors

• Thomas Stein, Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics

• Albert Esteve Palós, Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics

• Antonio López Gay, Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics