Is marriage a human right? Will we as gay men die if we won't be able to get married?

Question

Straights get divorced at a rate of 60%. How could we as gay men and lesbians make marriage a success?
Why be part of a heterosexual institution anyway?

I think the push for gay marriage has more to do with the concept that if you're single, then you're automatically a 'loser' -- and not much to do with gay 'liberation'.

Answer 1

Ah, but it should not be up to gays and lesbians as a whole to make marriage a success! The onus for a successful marriage rests only with the individuals involved.

I too was ambivalent about gay marriage, and whether it speaks more to a desire to conform, or a wish to have what others have, or illusions of "true love."

And while it is true that there is a lot of social pressure out there to find someone, a relationship, a "partner," I think we can fulfill our psychological needs for love and belonging without marriage. So, the push for marriage must be about more than fears of being alone, or being a "loser."

Married partners enjoy a whole host of social rights and privileges that unmarried partners do not. Is it a matter of life and death? Probably not, although people who are married tend to be healthier and to live longer. They also tend to be happier. They also tend to have more sex. People in long-term relationships, who are cohabitating but not married, do not seem to receive these psychological and physical benefits.

If you don't want to get married, or don't see the point in marriage, that's perfectly fine. But I think you should have the option were you to change your mind someday. Similarly, I think people who want to get married to their same-sex partners, who want to enjoy the validation and benefits that come with marriage, should have the option too.

Answer 2

I'm gay and have been in an awesome relationship now for almost 4 years. Marriage is not something that I personally want, but would like to have the right to do so if I wanted. Human rights are for all humans equally...not just who society deems it. I hate the term "gay rights", there should be no need for such a term...they are called "human rights" we don't see anything called "heterosexual rights", why do we have to label the rights that we as human, gay people should have just as equally? So to answer your questions...YES, marriage IS a human right. NO, we gays won't die. I feel that NOT being married is the better choice however. When you live with someone and have a relationship with someone and it's solely based on wanting to be together, not a piece of paper and the fear of what you'll lose in a divorce (by the government) you tend to work harder at a relationship. I have a lot of gay 'single' people as friends and many of them are very successful, self actualized, happy people that date - some very actively and have great lives, and are respected by straight and gay peers, so it's all what you make of it. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

First of all, KKKMisssh or whatever the hell it is, and vengeance ( Learn to spell moron ) are both idiots. Their sense of logic, intelligence and understanding is equal to that of a maggot. Your views are random with no merit or bearing on what's going on around you. Like headless chickens running around bumping into walls. Useless.

Anyway, with that out of the way. Marriage as a term is more of a legal measure and is based more on material formats such as having access to all the same rights as straight people. If the marriage is legal then all the rights and privileges ( which I firmly believe ) attached to that bonding should be applicable. Life insurance, property sharing, wills, the right to each others assets, to be able to support the other if one should pass away. A bonding is when two people have made that authentic, unique connection. Come to know and understand each other. There are no longer any secrets between them if even there were any in the first place. They have become as one. Trust me you'll know it when it hits you. It's a feeling all in itself. Don't let idiots ( I won't mention any names but their initials are, KKKMissssh and Vengeance ) try to belittle your ways and your affection for each other. They live dull, drab, sad lives and feel if they can't be happy why should anyone else. Not my problem. They can go to hell near as I'm concerned. I said this in another room and I'll say it again. We should give these hate mongers their own island, and then nuke the hell out of it. I don't see the loss in it. Do what feels right. A marriage is only as successful as you make it. Bring down the barriers follow your heart and persue your happiness.
I've never known anyone to die just because they aren't married. I really can't really elaborate on that part. I know I've left alot out here but my frustration at the hateful remarks in here has clouded my mind but I hope I've helped in some good way. Take care.

Answer 4

my opinion is. that if we are not allowed to marry,then we can no longer have say in what happens to our life partner that is best suited for them as well as i(us). not only is it a huge tax break here in the states but the most important thing is that we can be the deciding factor for our spouses if god forbid a tragedy were to occur to them or myself. who is going to know better than the person i live with and loves me what i want. i have continuously told my parents that i want to be creamated. their response is be sure to put it in your will as that. i have. but my brother who is the best man on earth has acknowledged my request and reassures me that it will be done. and includes that he will spread them where i want. what non-accepting family member will carry out those wishes for a gay member of there family? few. it comes down to the almighty dollar. a persons greed will overcome the last wishes of the departed(god help you if your an unwanted gay). thats why i feel there is a need for gay marriage. to protect us from the ones who dont give a damn(as well as save money which may be shallow. but i earned it like everyone else).
the wheels of progress are slow to turn in this country of the u.s.. but they are turning. and to me that is progress. so i am patient...i know that generations to come will laugh at the absurdity of gay marriage issues here in 2006. i could only hope that in 2007 it would not be an issue. but im well aware that it wont be resolved until the year 2025. thats an opptomistic guess.
thank you for finally asking a question that is easily understood, as well as not correcting everybody in order to show how intelligent you are. its best to say nothing and let everyone believe that you are wise, than to open your mouth and prove yourself a fool.

Answer 5

a marriage is between two people not a group of people. Just because marriages doesn't work for the majority of people doesn't mean others shouldn't have the right to marry if they choose too.

Answer 6

You do not have to get married just because you have the right to. The problem is the fact that there are people who do not have the right to create a family or protect their relationship the way that straight people can. Just because you have the right to pursue happiness doesn't mean that you are obligated to be happy.

Answer 7

There are actually several questions here. I am opposed to homosexual marriage, not because of any problem with homosexual relationships, but simply to preserve the historical meaning of the word. But the notion of a civil union, which creates the legal relationships of marriage, suits me fine. All relationships, homo or hetero, are difficult undertakings, and some will fail. Understanding and tolerance are requisite, as well as a common set of core values.

Answer 8

marriage is a human right...not because of the ceremonial garbage but because of the civil rights and legal benefits that come with marriage.

Answer 9

no the concept is to give us the same rights as our str8 counter parts. i.e. tax breaks, insurance the right to make medical decisions

Answer 10

Why bother copying a failed institution?