 Elton John is doing it before the end of the year, and George Michael is rumoured to follow his lead soon after. With such high profile gay men committing themselves to the civil partnership, does this mean that at last gay couples can expect the same respect as straight couples receive when “tying the knot”? With an estimated 22,000 gay couples in the UK expected to walk down the aisle in the next five years, will the civil partnership be successful at promoting a model of committed, loving gay relationships?
Perhaps it is because men are supposed to be more sexually aggressive than women, and to that end, two men together must indulge in infidelity and open relationships, but why does the stereotype of sexually predatory gay men exist? It seems to be the belief that monogamous gay relationships cannot exist. So, are all gay relationships grounded on infidelity?
"There is nothing wrong with an open relationship, as long as both partners are comfortable and willing to have multiple partners"
Until now and with the introduction of civil partnerships, it has been impossible for gay couples to officially demonstrate their lifetime commitment to each other. There is nothing wrong with an open relationship, as long as both partners are comfortable and willing to have multiple partners. The civil partnership allows for those gay men and women, who wish to, to acknowledge their love for each other and enjoy the benefits of that public declaration.
For many gay youths, relationships are so important to discovering your sexuality. Until you are in a relationship, homosexuality can prove to be a bit obscure and undefined. It is when you commit to another person that you really start to work through how your sexuality is such an important part of you. Despite this, being young and gay can be so exciting, and a time of experimentation, so to most, civil partnerships aren’t going to have a direct affect. However, it does provide us with a healthy model for loving gay relationships, and demonstrates just how much society can change.
Obviously, we shouldn’t assume that just because the law has accommodated and acknowledged the need for civil partnerships, society will also be so accommodating. We should however, recognise the civil partnership as a significant step forward. Not only because it pursues and enables equal rights for same sex partnerships but because it suggests that it is possible to display your pride in a serious relationship to the public.
"Obviously, we shouldn’t assume that just because the law has... acknowledged the need for civil partnerships, society will also be so accommodating."
There really is nothing to be ashamed of when in a relationship; and nothing should restrain your commitment to each other. Hopefully the civil partnership will allow gay youth to be more confident and optimistic about their relationships. The healthiest benefit of the new legislation is that gay men and women finally have a choice, and this is the greatest triumph. Whether or not you personally wish to dedicate your love so publicly, the civil partnership allows for choice, and this is the greatest sign of change.
There are those who are violently opposed to allowing ‘gay marriage’ and some who imagine the spectacle of a gay wedding ceremony. However, these are the people who it seems shall never change their opinions. The United Kingdom is demonstrating true progression and attempting integration of minority groups. However, the hardest challenge is that of persuading the public to follow the policy.
Yes; the bible may not illustrate two men or two women marrying each other. However, to use Christianity as leverage at generating contempt towards gay relationships is unfair. Surely, it is necessary to allow for choice? That way gay couples truly have an equal standing; much the same as not all heterosexual couples marry, gay couples are now able to choose.
This right to choose is key; it suggests to a gay youth that life isn’t necessarily a struggle. Civil partnerships at the moment seem alien and unusual, however in the future, hopefully they shall be less so, and the sanctity of marriage shall apply to all, not dependant on the gender of the individuals. Finally, civil partnerships provide a point of progression and for a gay couple to be proud and enjoy their love for each other officially; to celebrate their commitment.
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