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Posted on 03/01/2006 10:51:56 AM PST by presidio9
Bans on same-sex marriages inflict psychological trauma on gays and lesbians, a US study concluded.
A study titled "I do, but I can't" examined nationwide research and determined that denying same-sex couples the marriage rights on par with heterosexual couples created "the mental distress of second-class citizenship."
Being barred from marrying increased the risk of depression or isolation among gays, according to the findings released by the National Sexuality Resource Center.
"Marriage denial creates what experts call minority stress, the psychological effects of constant discrimination that bars individuals from the legitimate means of achieving goals that are valued by the society in which they live," said study co-author Gil Herdt.
"Lesbians and gay men work just as hard as heterosexuals do in creating and maintaining committed relationships, but they do not get the same tangible benefits."
Even when lesbian or gay couples create unsanctioned alternative families, they don't get the psychological or health benefits reportedly experienced by married couples, according to Herdt.
Herdt, an anthropologist, is director of the center, which is based at San Francisco State University.
Stuart Gaffney and his long-time partner, Jonathan Lewis, whose same-sex marriage in San Francisco was among those undone by the courts, took part in the press conference at which the study results were discussed.
"When we were able to marry in San Francisco, the burden of shame was lifted away," Gaffney said. "We had a taste of all we had missed. Thirty days later our marriage was invalidated and we felt the shame placed back upon us."
Not being able to marry undermines same-sex relationships because it accentuates feelings of shame while weakening family support and sending a message the relationships lack value, according to Herdt.
"The stigma and harm caused by denying committed lesbian and gay couples the choice to marry fuels a vicious cycle," said Herdt.
"Fictitious stereotypes attribute promiscuity to gay men and lesbians, fueling the false belief that they are immoral and reinforcing in the minds of critics the ineligibility of lesbians and gay men for marriage and parenthood."
O the freakin' humanity!!!
Proves that "gay marriage" is all about removing the shame attached to being gay. Once they shame is removced, they can split up and get on with their nexct partner. Serial polygamy rides again.
Good God....so what!!!
Good Lord, it's not as though we're asking them to go around wearing large red Hs or Ls on their aprons.
They made the choice, for whatever reasons, to play for the other team. Decisions have consequences. Simple as that.
LOL!!!!!!!!!
And allowing gay marriage would cause stress on the other 97% of the population.
Get off the Wambulance!
In San Francisco and Greenwich Village that usually doesn't take any more than an hour or so.
Bullshyz! is all I have to say.
I saw this on the news last night. After I stopped laughing I felt like barfing.
They are ALREADY psychologically traumatized. That's why they are seeking out members of the same sex.
The head shriking profession declared this was the new normal.
ML/NJ
They don't get pregnant either. That must be pretty traumatic.
I ride the subway to and from work every day.
Sometimes I get a seat, but other times I have to stand.
I'm sure I experience "psychological trauma" each time I have to stand. My feelings get hurt, and I don't think society "values" me and my efforts as much as it values those people who get to sit down on the subway.
I think I'll demand that Metro provide me with a seat every time I want to ride the subway.
I reckon that no similar study will be done to see if Christians suffer the same kind of mental trauma in places like Massachusetts, where butt-sex marriage was forced on them though the courts...
They should be ineligible for parenthood. They choose to enter an alternative lifestyle (their phrase).
The children DO NOT get a choice. There is no consent.
Less time in Provincetown, MA. Right there in plain sight on Commercial Street for all to see. Ugh.
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