Stress can be a constant in most people’s lives. However, its presence has increased dramatically for LGBTQ individuals in the last year. Queer and transgender people face very real prospects of violence, harassment and discrimination. Today’s social climate remains uncertain, and as a same-sex couple you may be experiencing higher-than-normal stress levels. However, it’s important […]

Within the last few years, the Mormon faith has been forced to confront issues of gender and sexual orientation. Traditionally, Latter Day Saints doctrines only support heterosexual marriage and consider same-sex couplings as contrary to the Divine plan. In addition, the religion often bars transgender people from serving in church leadership or even attending some […]

Some definitions of the nuclear family emerge from religious and politically conservative ideologies. Nevertheless, LGBTQ individuals have created families on their own terms for a long time. A recent story from Oregon in which one couple broke gender boundaries illustrates this point perfectly. While a man giving birth might seem newsworthy and even shocking to […]

If you’re reading this article, chances are that your spouse recently came out as transgender. Or perhaps they have been in the process of transitioning for a while. It’s natural to have questions of your own. While this may be new territory, you desire to be supportive of your transgender spouse, and you can do […]

Names are complicated things. Shakespeare made names seem arbitrary when he immortalized the words, “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Hundreds of years later, Bart Simpson would respond to that quote with the accurate observation, “not if you called them stenchblossoms”. In these two quotes, it can be understood that names […]

It’s an honor and a joy to be invited to witness the union of two hearts in marriage. With any wedding, there are certain things you should do as a good guest. Responding to an RSVP and showing up on time are just two things every guest should do. While these are good tips for […]

Getting married to your partner is the start of something wonderful. The two of you will soon be able to build the life together that you have in your mind. Still, there will be plenty of challenges along the way. Once the reception is completed and you’ve come back from your honeymoon adventure, you may […]

If you are in a same-sex relationship but have conservative parents, chances are you’ve put off having them meet each other for fear of an awkward situation, family arguments or hurt feelings. Now that you and your partner have decided to take your relationship to the next level and get married, you can’t keep putting […]

A wedding is more than a ceremony and reception. From parties before the day of the big event to the honeymoon, the coming together of two people in marriage is a true event. Traditionally, women have had bridal showers in addition to their bachelorette parties. Bridal showers were once meant for the bride and close […]

Starting a new relationship can be scary. The first few months after meeting a romantic partner are typically packed with intense emotions and in-depth internal musings related to this person’s potential as your significant other. Of course, it doesn’t always become easier with time. For many same-sex couples, the struggle comes from understanding the best […]