The Lesbigay Family: A Comparative Analysis

How is polyamorous family and same-sex marriage, families the same ? Can these two both demonstrate alternative families, with hopes of giving legitimacy to “non-traditional family structure?” Both groups are entwined with each other in the fight to alter family narratives, with the hopes of pushing the “ non-traditional” family structure to a nonconformity family. One, that is not seen as non ordain, or moreover, one that holds the same civil rights as the “traditional” family.

To first highlight the connection and difference between these two family structures, one must first describe the definition of both. As described by Sheff, “ Polyamory is a form of relationship in which people openly court multiple romantic, sexual, and/or affective
As described by Sheff (2011) there are four connects that Sheff highlights, “ (1) poly families follow directly in the social wake of the lesbigay challenge to heterocentric family forms; (2) as stigmatized sexual minorities, lesbigay and poly people face similar challenges and use many of the same strategies to navigate family life; (3) conservative politicians and journalists frame arguments against same-sex marriage as leading to a “slippery slope” that inevitably sanctions multiple-partner marriage, bestiality, and incest; and (4) this comparison decenters heterosexual families as the sole comparison point while simultaneously expanding knowledge about lesbigay families. Polyamorists and lesbigays face many similar challenges—disclosure, stigma, custodial issues, and relationships with families of origin—and use comparable strategies to navigate them( Sheff 489).” Nevertheless, both groups are apart of society rather being inclusive or exclusive, however lesbigay groups are now being discussed by the mainstream media. Consequently, this portraying and discussion by the media allows lesbigay groups to become apart of everyday discussion, thus allowing this group a one up on the