Polyamory is gaining traction. If you’ve noticed an uptick in content related to polyamory in your For You Page, you aren’t alone. People were 21% more aware of polyamory in 2024 than in 2020, according to a YouGov survey. A Gallup poll showed that fewer individuals see this practice as morally questionable than they did a decade ago.
This increase in acceptance and visibility has impacted the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Today, research shows that nearly 25% of queer people practice or are open to polyamory. That’s significantly higher than the rest of the population – something that may be explained, in part, by the history of this community’s resistance to societal norms around dating and relationships.
Still, this is not an easy lifestyle to adopt. Individuals who are polyamorous face judgment, a lack of understanding, added emotional labor, and sometimes legal complexities. Despite this, more queer folks than ever are embracing polyamory. So, what are they getting out of it? Here are some of the potential benefits according to Taimi’s research.
What Do You See as The Biggest Benefits of a Polyamorous Relationship?
Taimi researchers asked this question of nearly 800 study participants who identify as queer. Nearly 55% of respondents stated they were most attracted to the freedom to explore multiple connections. Another 45% believe that polyamory can encourage better, more open communication. Finally, another 43% see polyamory as a way to gain more social and emotional support.
Freedom To Explore Multiple Connections
2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who are able to live authentically have already rejected social norms in at least one way. They have resisted the pressures of compulsory heterosexuality to identify and have relationships that work for them. This may make it easier for queer folks to prioritize their needs and desires over societal expectations. As a result, they feel more comfortable exploring romantic or sexual connections outside of monogamous relationship structures.
While it’s certainly true that some LGBTQIA+ individuals may be drawn to polyamory because they seek varied sexual experiences, that may not be the only reason. These relationships aren’t just about sex but may also involve other types of close emotional connections.
Increased Romantic And Sexual Fulfillment
Although the poll did not specifically address sexual satisfaction as a potential benefit, it’s reasonable to extract this from the answers provided. Polyamorous relationships offer queer individuals opportunities to engage in romantic and sexual exploration within ethical and consensual parameters.
Open And Honest Communication
Healthy polyamorous relationships depend on consent, emotional honesty, and relentlessly effective communication. Members of the queer community value communication as a tool that can be used to create deeper connections, a sense of safety and belonging, and allows them to make informed decisions. Both sexual and emotional health depend on the honesty and openness of all involved. These are two issues that impact both the polyamorous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Increased Emotional And Social Support
In addition to seeing more online content on polyamory, you may have seen videos and blog posts discussing “mommunes”. These are communities formed by single mothers to provide a “village” of support that might include combining financial resources, helping one another with childcare, and providing emotional support.
These mommunes don’t inherently include romantic or sexual elements, but their increasing popularity speaks to a universal need. People are missing emotional and social supporty systems in their lives, and are seeking those things out in new ways. Mom communities may be a way for single mothers to obtain this. Polyamory could be one way for queer folks to have these needs met while also introducing elements of sex and romance.
Takeaways
2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who are polyamorous or open to it, enjoy several benefits. They are able to engage in relationships with deeper authenticity and connection, enjoy varied sexual and romantic experiences, and find supportive communities that may not exist for them in other places. Not all queer folks are suited for non-monogamy, but increased acceptance of polyamory is beneficial to the community as a whole.
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