| The current qualitative study was the first to compare same-sex married and unmarried couples' decision-making process regarding marriage, and their perceptions of the impact of marriage equality. Drawing from social constructionist theory (Gergen, 1985), feminist theory (Bevacqua, 2004; Braun, 2003), queer theory (Oswald, Kuvalanka, Blume, & Berkowitz, 2009), life course theory (Elder, 1994), and intersectionality (Cole, 2009), this study explored differences and similarities in experiences between married and unmarried same-sex couples who have had the option of marriage in Massachusetts for nearly a decade.;Interview data from 16 married couples and 14 unmarried couples ( n = 60 individuals) were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis (Bogdan & Biklen, 2003). Results indicated that married participants --- and in particular, married women --- tended to indicate alignment with traditional aspects of the institution of marriage, and viewed the marriage equality movement as a matter of social justice. Most unmarried participants expressed less personal attachment to the traditions of marriage but viewed marriage equality as an important issue of civil rights. Both married and unmarried participants noted a positive impact of marriage equality (e.g., it was validating); however, both groups spoke to the injustice of discrepancies between state-sanctioned and federally-sanctioned recognition. For most married participants, marriage seemingly had a positive impact on their relationships, while most unmarried participants reported that marriage equality had not impacted their relationships.;Many married and unmarried participants also indicated that the marriage equality movement had brought the LGBTQ community closer together. At the same time, some noted that they missed feeling part of a less mainstream group; yet this feeling of loss was not as salient as the increase in acceptance from broader society. Most participants expressed feeling more accepted and more supported by others, including family members. Lack of support from family was typically described as conflict regarding married couples' weddings, and unmarried couples' discomfort speaking openly with family about their relationships. This study broadens the discourse of marriage equality by voicing the perspectives of same-sex couples who have had the option of marriage for nearly a decade. Findings will be useful to scholars, activists, practitioners, and couples considering marriage. |
