The aim of this research is to explore the meaning of marriage to lesbian couples marginalized by the California State Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8 and the affects of minority stress on some lesbian couples now barred from the legal institution of marriage in California. The research focus is on the lived experiences of lesbian couples and it seeks to make visible the hidden hierarchies of heterosexism.
The results of this research will be used to educate social workers and other professionals in order to advocate for equal rights in the civil rights debate on marriage equality in the State of California. Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act creates less social equality for same-sex couples in the State of California and has marginalized lesbian couples that would like access to the legal entitlements, regardless of their marital status and may have created mental health problems, as a result of this social policy.
Participant criteria:
–Five to Seven lesbian couples that are currently living together in the State of California and would like to get married.
–Aged 18 years or older
Please contact:
Margo J. Randolph, MSW student at (559)790-0048 or [email protected] for more information.
