Putting aside religious and political arguments over same-sex marriage, how does gay marriage affect the health of those involved?
From Proposition 8 to the first South American country ( Argentina ) legalizing it, same-sex marriage is making headlines worldwide. With enough passion and hate out there to fuel a fire of controversy, what ARE health effects of same-sex marriage?
Health and psychology experts have looked into this question and found interesting results.
Simply getting married is known to be protective for the health of men. Married men live longer, have less depression, and seek out health resources more than single men. According to the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, these findings hold true within same-sex marriages, too. Within a marriage, gay men tend to have fewer sexual partners, and many gain increased access to healthcare — often through a spouse ( important in this time of limited health benefits ) .
Interestingly, there are negative effects on wellness caused by denying marriage rights to same-sex couples, also. Researchers from Columbia University found an increase in psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals from states with marriage bans - attributed to a loss of rights and the "extended and heated public discourse focusing on the legitimacy of such deprivation."
So, marrying the man of your dreams improves your health. And the simple denial of marriage rights can harm your health. Where's my ring?
Peter Pointers is an online, gay health educator and is assisted by a group of qualified health specialists who work as a team to answer your health questions. Check out Peter's Question/Answer forum at www.lifelube.org/experts.php for more pointers and to ask your own questions.