Queer Polyamory: Exploring Polyamorous Relationships and Community among Queer-Identified Adults

• In Event: 306 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 08. Relationships

Abstract

Polyamory is the practice of being openly involved with multiple partners in meaningful romantic or sexual relationships. Polyamory is an important area of investigation in intimate relationships as the practice challenges the dominant culture of intimacy, directly combating compulsory monogamy. Yet, empirical research on polyamory is overwhelmingly centered on privileged communities in which members are generally comprised of heterosexual cismen and bisexual ciswomen, neglecting experiences of queer and gender-nonconforming individuals. Central questions have yet to be addressed. For example, how do queer people experience polyamory? What unique challenges do poly-practicing queer people face? What does it mean to exist at the cultural intersection of heterocentrism and monocentrism? Addressing these questions, this paper reviews the limited relevant empirical and theoretical literature, and presents preliminary data from my dissertation research on queer people who practice polyamory. This exploratory study examines various aspects of polyamory using in-depth interviews with adults who identify as gender or sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, pansexual, asexual, queer, transgender, genderqueer, etc) or reject identity categories altogether. Areas of investigation include meanings of polyamory, negotiation of partnerships, polyamorous community, and sociopolitical concerns. Queer polyamory is worthy of study as it carries the potential to destabilize the dominant gay normalization movement and speaks to ways that some queer people challenge or resist sexual citizenship. It also has implications for contemporary understandings of sexual morality and the future of monogamy.

Author

• Emily Pain, State University of New York-Albany