ABSTRACT
This chapter explains that the challenges and consequences of stigma and internalized homophobia with the unique ways gay men overcome these obstacles and make lives for themselves unbound from societal norms around sex and gender roles. Stigma is defined as a personal characteristic or condition that is thought by society to be deviant and which diminishes the bearer's worth and status. Ilan Meyer developed the minority stress hypothesis, which explains that stigma creates an obviously stressful social environment which in turn leads to an elevated frequency of mental health problems among lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons. When considering the stigma and minority stress experienced by gay men, one must be especially mindful that these burdens are additive for those who are members of oppressed minority groups. Research and clinical literature suggests that gay male couples who decide they prefer a non-monogamous relationship need to set guidelines that prioritize the primary relationship.
