1. Sociology of the Family April 14, 2015

2. Same-Sex Marriage Today Legal in 36 states and Washington DC Banned outright in GA, KY, MI, MS, ND, and TN Other states have “stays of enforcement” DOMA unconstitutional in 2013, leading to legalization of gay marriage in many states

3. Why same-sex marriage is imaginable Freedom to choose one’s partner Softening of gender role expectations Marriage guarantees public and private rights No dominant religion defines moral code

4. Same-Sex Marriage before the 1990s Lesbians and gays sought recognition from communities and families, not the state Opposition among lesbian feminists LGBT politics directed towards individual rights and non-discrimination

5. HIV/AIDS 1981-1988: 82,000 Americans diagnosed Affects young, gay men disproportionately Effects of not having marriage rights: – Insurance coverage through partner – Recognition by hospitals, funeral homes, agencies – Lessee and property rights

6. “Lesbian Baby Boom” More and more lesbians decide to have children outside of relationship with a man Custody and second parent adoption not guaranteed View that children would be stigmatized Second parent adoption rights not comprehensive – want to form legitimate families

7. Discussion Questions Is marriage the right goal for LGBT people? – Denial of civil rights is the problem? – Does marriage have an oppressive history? – Can marriage be transformed?