by Lynette Alice

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: May 21, 2009

For the most part the most important issues in a gay relationship are the same ones faced by any heterosexual couple. Of course there are a few unique situations gay relationships face that heterosexual ones do not, but the same can be said going the other way as well. Generally speaking though, a gay relationship has a few notably striking relationship differences that are worth examining. It is worth noting however that every relationship regardless of whether it be gay or straight is unique because the individuals composing them are unique, so these differences should not be seen as blanket statements but rather common generalizations.

The first issue is whether the the couple is out of the closet. It is not an uncommon thing at all, even today, for one or even both members to still be in the closet and keep their relationship very quiet. This is rarely a byproduct of any sort of shame or embarrassment, but rather an issue which is created by the social climate they live in. The fact is that in the U.S. for example, 60% of the nation still has legalized institutional discrimination against gays. What this means is gays can be denied any one or all of these following rights in 30 states; housing, equal employment protections, certain types of medical care, insurance, hate crimes protections, as well as a half dozen or more "lesser" denials. With that practice allowable, it is easy to see why a couple may face this dilemma.

The next issue regards whether or not they may want to marry. In any type of relationship this can be a heck of an issue. In a gay relationship however the issues surrounding how a relationship evolves are particularly tricky. As of May 2009, a gay couple is very limited as to where they can marry legally. Unlike a straight couple that can choose to marry in their backyard, the church, a courthouse or anyplace they feel like it. A gay couple often has to make travel arrangements to someplace that will sanction the union. Once that is done they have to then decide if that is enough, just because they are married does not in any way mean it is necessarily going to be legally recognized when they get home. That raises the issue as to whether they may need/want to pick up their lives and move to where it will be recognized and start all over from scratch.

They have to deal with the spiritual issues that surround a gay relationship. The fact is that when a gay person is single (unmarried) they will often still be welcome in the houses of

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