Eross - Expressions Research Orientations: Sexuality Studies

PhD Students

Grainne Healy

Phd Title

An Exploration of the Meaning of Civil Partnership for Lesbian Women and Gay Men

Abstract

The subject of my proposed research is the legal recognition of same sex relationships and how this impacts on the lives of lesbian women and gay men in Ireland. In particular, this thesis will explore how legal recognition of same sex relationships is affecting the lives of same sex couples who have registered as Civil Partners. The aim of the thesis is to explore how the legal recognition of same sex relationships (Civil Partnership) impacts on the lives of lesbian women and gay men in Ireland. It aims to generate further understanding on how the lives of lesbian women and gay men are affected by the legal and societal recognition afforded by Civil Partnership and to explore the impact on their personal relationships and everyday family lives. It will examine why long term committed same sex couples have entered Civil Partnerships and explore how being civilly partnered has affected their lives. The objectives of this thesis proposal are to: a) examine the understandings that lesbian women and gay men have of Civil Partnership; b) explore the kinds of impacts that entering Civil Partnerships has had on the lives of same sex couples; and c) understand the impact on their relationships of entering a Civil Partnership