Lesbians and Romantic Relationships

Although there is a decline in the stigma associated with same-sex-attracted people, gay and lesbian people still experience difficulty in finding acceptance. The number of lesbians in society is difficult to ascertain, and reported numbers vary depending on how the question about sexual orientation in the surveys was phrased. Regardless of the number of same-sex-attracted women in society, many of these women are in a romantic relationship. Beginning in the early 1980s, researchers became more interested in studying lesbian relationships. A substantial body of this research indicates that lesbian relationships generally operate on the same principles as heterosexual relationships. However, a few differences have been found. This entry provides an overview of current research on gender roles, sexuality, and relationship satisfaction in lesbian couples.