Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PhD Counseling Psychology

Department

Professional Psychology and Family Therapy

Advisor

Minsun Lee, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Pamela Foley, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Sara Martino, Ph.D.

Keywords

same-gender couples, LGBTQ+, queer, marriage, parenthood, relationships, cisheteronormativity, display work

Abstract

Reczek and Bosley-Smith (2022) identified several reasons why queer adult children reported feeling compelled to maintain relationships with their rejecting parents, and the strategies that they utilized to do so. The construct of legitimization exists within a heteronormative context, contributing to the theory that adherence to cis-heteronormative relational ideals allows same-gender couples to have a greater chance of being accepted by the dominant culture (Chevrette & Eguchi, 2020). Unintentional or deliberate aligning with idealized images of traditional (i.e., cisgender and heterosexual) couples or families is a means by which same-gender couples may seek this acceptance.

The present study sought to explore how cisgender men’s relationships with significant family members are impacted by significant relationship milestones (I.e., cohabitation, marriage, and parenthood) within their same-gender romantic relationships for those individuals who had negative coming out experiences. Additionally, this study sought to explore what impact any changes in these significant family relationships have on the same-gender male dyad. A total of eight men completed 60–90-minute video interviews, and the data analysis followed the reflexive thematic analysis approach. Participants reported difficulties related to withholding information from their parents or partners so as to preserve ongoing relationships, experiences with parents refusing to acknowledge aspects of their romantic relationships, and having their own children used to foster relationships between generations. This study can help researchers and clinicians understand how to better support members of same-gender couples who struggle with having been estranged from rejecting families, as well as the challenges that are experienced by those who seek to rekindle these relationships.

Download

Share

COinS