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One at a Time: LGBTQ Polyamory and Relational Citizenship in the 21st Century

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  • Ana Cristina Santos

Abstract

Drawing on biographic narrative interviews with self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or queer polyamorous people in Portugal, this article explores the contradictions and opportunities involved in living as a relationally diverse LGBTQ intimate citizen in Southern Europe. The article starts by unpacking citizenship in relation to dominant sociolegal expectations around monogamy. In this section, it is suggested that the mononormative underpinnings of law and social policy restrain intimate citizenship. The second part of the article explores the legal and cultural meanings attached to coupledom, suggesting the notion of relational performativity as an analytical tool for interpreting cultural norms and expectations around partnering. The last section discusses citizenship and coupledom in light of the biographic narratives produced by LGBTQ polyamorous participants in the INTIMATE study in Portugal. Based on thematic analysis of these narratives, it is argued that the framework of intimate citizenship is not fixed, and the notion of relational citizenship is offered. Arguably, relational citizenship enables a gradual detachment from the strictly monogamous underpinnings of citizenship studies, hence offering an opportunity for further intellectual engagement with intimacy and diversity in the 21st century.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Cristina Santos, 2019. "One at a Time: LGBTQ Polyamory and Relational Citizenship in the 21st Century," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 24(4), pages 709-725, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:24:y:2019:i:4:p:709-725
    DOI: 10.1177/1360780419874080
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    Cited by:

    1. Carla Moleiro & Violeta Alarcão & Alain Giami, 2023. "Looking at Resilience among Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Portugal: Gender Affirmation Paths and Parenting Aspirations," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Ana Cristina Santos & Ana Lúcia Santos, 2023. "Intimate Lovers, Legal Strangers—The Politics of Dissident Relationality in Portugal," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-14, March.

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