[Cover picture courtesy of Pexels]

    On the subject of marriages, most of us would assume the persons involved to be a man and a woman. This is a common practice reinforced by social norms in a heteronormative and patriarchal society, which is problematic in the sense that it disregards the diversity of sexuality. Heteronormativity refers to the concept that heterosexuality is the preferred or ‘normal’ mode of sexual orientation in a society, whereas patriarchy refers to a society where men are dominantly in power and women are mostly excluded from it. Different agents of socialization, for instance, schools, families and the media propagates dominant gender ideologies that mask sexual diversities, thus rendering sexual minorities vulnerable to stigmatization. To illustrate, toxic masculinity and compulsory heterosexuality are enforced upon males and females respectively. When sexual minorities deviate from their expected gender roles and identities, they are subject to discrimination and prejudice, which are more prominent to those in a same-sex marriage. For instance, same-sex marriage has yet to be legalized in Hong Kong as of right now. Apart from Hong Kong, there are many countries in which homosexual relationships, let alone same-sex marriages, are still considered illicit. From an ethical standpoint, some may find it immoral to establish a homosexual family, as it is considered ‘unnatural and immoral’, and these are just the tip of the iceberg. 

    Every couple faces challenges before and after getting married, let alone homosexual couples. Being the minority, the obstacles that homosexual couples encounter are always being neglected. Furthermore, same-sex marriages may carry a negative connotation to certain parties in the society. It is anticipated that this website could shed more light on the diverse difficulties that same-sex couples may run into, mainly from the legal and ethical aspects. 

    Yet, discussion on such issues are getting more prohibited nowadays, as Florida has just passed a “Don’t Say Gay’ Bill in March this year, prohibiting the discussion of sexual orientations and other related topics in schools. Hence, it is hoped that by elaborating on the definitions of sexual orientations, the socially-constructive nature of gender and sexuality, and the social norms that shape our perception, a richer understanding of issues revolving around gender and same-sex marriage could be accomplished.  These are crucial when it comes to realizing the struggles that same-sex marriages face, and acknowledging ways to eliminate the stigma around queer culture as a whole.

    Same-sex marriages deserve the rights enjoyed by their heterosexual counterpart as fundamentally, the unjust discriminations imposed on them are socially constructed.