| Marriage provides the framework for individuals to share in the intimate joys of love, companionship, and support with another individual. The role marriage plays in current society is different than in the past and will likely change in the future. This change does not come without resistance by some and cannot come soon enough for others. Homosexuals in many locations are fighting for access to this institution. This transcendental phenomenological study looks at the everyday lived experiences of being denied access to marriage, specifically focusing on the psychological effects on thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Data was collected from ten publicly out homosexual men and women through open-ended interviews, with additional demographic information being collected through a demographic questionnaire. Conclusions drawn from this study will aid policy decision makers, those working with homosexuals, and others interested in understanding a commonly misunderstood group in advocating for equal marriage access and understanding the effects when it is denied. |
