Same-Sex Sexuality and the Risk of Divorce: Findings from Two National Studies. Issue 2 (28th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: London, Andrew S.; Hoy, Aaron
• Is Part Of: Journal of homosexuality. Volume 68:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 311
• Page End: 335
• Publication Date: 2021-01-28
• Subjects: Divorce -- marriage -- homosexuality -- same-sex sexuality -- lesbian -- gay -- bisexual (LGB) -- heteronormativity -- romantic love -- sociology; Homosexuality -- Periodicals; 306.766
• DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1651111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-8369

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Despite symbolic linkages between heterosexuality and marriage, and a pervasive heteronormative ideology of romantic love, little population-representative research examines whether same-sex sexuality – desire/attraction, behavior, and gay, lesbian, or bisexual identity – increases the likelihood of divorce from an different-sex spouse. We examine this association using data from the 1992 National Health and Social Life Survey and the 2011–2013 National Survey of Family Growth. In both sub-studies, multivariate logistic regression analyses indicate that same-sex sexuality reduces the odds of ever marrying. However, among the once-married, same-sex desire/attraction, sexual behavior, and gay, lesbian, or bisexual identity respectively increase the odds of different-sex divorce net of demographic and early-life factors. Same-sex sexuality puts a brake on divorce by preventing some different-sex marriages that would ultimately end in divorce, but is associated with an increase risk of different-sex divorce among once-married individuals.