A comprehensive guide to marriage—perks, consequences, and everything in between—aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, from a leading gay rights lawyer. Not long ago, same-sex couples had to jump through endless hoops to make their relationships even close to legal. Happily, those days are over. But here’s the rub: many gay and lesbian couples, accustomed to living off-grid, are so thrilled to have the benefits of marriage that they jump into it without fully considering the consequences. In Before I Do, leading gay rights attorney Elizabeth F. Schwartz spells out the range of practical considerations any couple should address before tying the knot. She explains the rights married couples have—and those they do not. With cameos from some of the most prominent LGBTQ+ professionals, Schwartz explores all of the implications of marriage from name changes and getting a license to taxes, insurance, Social Security, and much more. Chapters on estate planning, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and organizing finances make Before I Do a crucial handbook for anyone considering marriage—because, as Schwartz explains, just because you can get married does not mean you should. “During my thirty years of covering the gay beat for the Miami Herald, never did I imagine the need for a marriage guide for LGBT couples. Yet today nothing is more urgent. Before I Do guides all couples, gay and otherwise, about the responsibilities of marriage. Ignore it at your peril.” —Steve Rothaus, The Miami Herald
A same-sex wedding is identical to an opposite-sex wedding in the most important way -- legal status -- thanks to the landmark Supreme Court decision that recognized marriage equality for all 50 states in 2015. Still, couples planning same-sex weddings might want gender-specific advice and inspiration for their ceremonies and receptions. This book was written with the intention of being an in-depth, easy-to-understand guide to the vastly complex Gay Rights movement in the United States and globally. With the recent legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in the United States, it is important to examine the process that led to the monumental decision made by the Supreme Court in 2015.
Legal gay marriage is still a relatively new phenomenon. As gay men who are now able to get married, we find ourselves in a bit of a quandary: for many male couples, sex is a lot more important for us than it is for heterosexuals. Two married men often have a stronger desire for sex - wanting more of it and with a wider variety of partners - than married opposite-sex couples. How does this work within the structure of a monogamous marriage? Is an open relationship a better structure for gay marriage? Assuming that gay marriages will emulate heterosexual marriages is neither a valid nor a helpful assumption. But, as gay men, where does that leave us? There are currently no “rule books” for how a marriage between two men could or should work. While there are lots of books about how to plan your gay wedding, there are virtually none that address what to do after the honeymoon is over (literally and figuratively). This book fills that void. It offers married gay couples (and gay men considering marriage) an easy-to-follow, practical framework that they can use to help create, adjust and structure their marriages. Using helpful examples and first-hand quotes throughout, Openly-gay psychotherapist Michael Dale Kimmel offers a roadmap for gay men who want to be married but have questions and concerns about monogamy and monotony.
Laws affecting LGBT couples are changing rapidly, and while it's an exciting time for all gay and lesbian partners, keeping up with the myriad ways the shifting legal landscape touches your family life can be daunting. Now more than ever, it's important that you take the proper legal steps to define and protect your relationship in the eyes of the law. If you don't, you run the risk of being shut out of each other's lives -- and the lives of children you co-parent -- in times of medical, financial or personal crisis. Fortunately, this practical guide is updated with the latest legal information and legislation that will help you and your same-sex partner protect and exercise your rights, and make sound decisions as a couple. A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples covers: . making practical decisions about living together . planning for medical emergencies -- making medical decisions for one another and taking care of each other's finances when one partner is incapacitated . domestic partner benefits and how to obtain them . buying property together . providing for each other upon death . practical and legal aspects of having and raising children . marriage laws for all 50 states The updated edition provides the latest information on same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships. Plus, create essential legal documents using the step-by-step instructions included. All forms are now downladable at nolo.com.
The go-to guide for a kick-ass wedding! Before you say, I do, you've got a lot to do! This book reveals everything you need to know about planning the perfect wedding, from telling the folks to budgeting to writing vows that express what's in your heart. The Gay Couple's Guide to Wedding Planning is the perfect book for male couples who want to understand how to take the stress out of every stage of putting together a memorable ceremony and reception. In his lively, witty style, Toussaint reveals how to deal with relatives who may not be accepting of your lifestyle, how to search for gay-friendly vendors, and what grooms need to know about grooming. There are also fitness tips to keep guys in great shape. Featuring more than 100 color photos, this user-friendly, 12-month guide walks you through all the essentials. There's practical advice on booking a site, hiring a band or DJ (or a drag queen), registering for flowers, and deciding just how gay you want your honeymoon to be. There are tips on other considerations: do you throw two bachelor parties or one?; who proposes to whom?; do you need two best men?; and is it still okay to throw the bouquet? Toussaint includes advice for every budget with money-saving cheap tricks that will help you celebrate without breaking the bank. Inspiring true stories of gay couples who found wedded bliss are included throughout. The Gay Couple's Guide to Wedding Planning is an indispensable resource for creating the ceremony of your dreams!
The first guide to posing and sensitively capturing same-sex couples on their big day, The New Art of Capturing Love equips semi-pro and professional wedding photographers to enter the exciting new LGBT wedding photography market. With nearly half of the states in the US (and 13 countries) currently recognizing same-sex partnerships, the market for LGBT weddings is poised for explosive growth, offering great opportunity for today's wedding photographers. But capturing portraits in this new market requires a new approach to posing, which until now has been nearly exclusively oriented toward pairing a larger man in black with a smaller woman in white. What works for Jack and Jill won't necessarily work for Jack and Michael, let alone Jill and Louise. The New Art of Capturing Loverewrites these traditional techniques, giving photographers the tools to create flattering, emotion-filled images for any couple in today's dynamic wedding market.
America's estimated 20 million lesbians and gay men need to take specific legal steps to define and protect their relationships in the eyes of the law. This practical guide shows them how to: obtain domestic partner benefits-plan for medical emergencies-buy property together-provide for each other at death-understand the practical and legal aspects of having and raising children.The guide includes living together contracts, sample wills and a durable power of attorney. The updated 14th edition now includes a new chapter discussing the laws of states that offer an equivalent to marriage, plus information on ending such relationships.
America's estimated 20 million lesbians and gay men need to take specific legal steps to define and protect their relationships in the eyes of the law. This practical guide shows them how to: obtain domestic partner benefits-plan for medical emergencies-buy property together-provide for each other at death-understand the practical and legal aspects of having and raising children.The guide includes living together contracts, sample wills and a durable power of attorney. The updated 14th edition now includes a new chapter discussing the laws of states that offer an equivalent to marriage, plus information on ending such relationships.
In this comprehensive follow-up to his bestselling Mr. Right is Out There, Kenneth George offers, in the same warm and wise manner, guidelines for gay men on forming successful male couples. Known for his commonsense and honest approach to relationships, Dr. George explores the issues facing gay couples and offers advice on working through them rather than letting them become insurmountable. Included in the book are tips on: negotioating changes rather tham living with annoying differences; defining your relationship with a 'job description'; and having great sex!
What our readers are saying: "A perfect, sentimental wedding gift for any gay couple!" "Total game changer for our marriage, my partner and I had great conversations from this book." A comprehensive self-help book designed to inspire, inform, and empower gay couples in their journey of marriage. Packed with practical tips, date night ideas, explorative activities and helpful guidance on building a fulfilling marriage with strong communication and collaboration, this book celebrates the uniqueness of LGBTQ+ relationships while providing the tools to nurture love, resilience, and a lasting legacy. _________________________________________ An Overview: Embark on a transformative journey to strengthen and celebrate your love story as a gay couple. Each chapter guides you through essential aspects of a fulfilling marriage, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to build a strong foundation. From embracing your unique love story and fostering communication to navigating family dynamics and nurturing intimacy, this comprehensive guide is tailored to the specific needs of gay couples. Loaded with questions, activities, and deep-dive explorations for you and your spouse to collaborate and connect on, you'll learn to support personal growth, cultivate gratitude, and create a lasting legacy of love and inclusivity for a deeply connected and fulfilling marriage. Chapter 1: Embracing Your Unique Love Story Celebrate the beautiful diversity of your love story and embrace your individuality as a gay couple. Learn how to honor your shared history while appreciating the unique journey that brought you together. Chapter 2: Building a Foundation of Communication Communication is the cornerstone of a strong marriage. Discover effective communication techniques tailored to the specific needs of gay couples, fostering understanding, and deepening your emotional connection. Chapter 3: Navigating Family and Social Relationships Navigate the complexities of family and social dynamics as a gay couple. Gain insights and strategies to foster positive relationships with both supportive and challenging individuals in your lives. Chapter 4: Collaborative Decision-Making and Conflict Resolution Learn how to make decisions collaboratively and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Gain tools to overcome obstacles together, creating a supportive environment for personal growth and relationship development. Chapter 5: Cultivating Intimacy and Affection Explore ways to strengthen intimacy and affection in your marriage. From small gestures to nurturing emotional intimacy, discover ways to keep the spark alive in your relationship. Chapter 6: Fostering Personal Growth Within Your Marriage Encourage personal growth and self-discovery within the context of your marriage. Support each other's individual journeys while growing together as a couple. Chapter 7: Cultivating Gratitude and Building a Lasting Legacy Gratitude can transform your marriage. Learn how to cultivate a sense of appreciation for one another and create a lasting legacy of love, compassion, and inclusivity. __________________________________________ Who is this book for? Wedding gifts for gay couples, gay wedding gifts LGBTQ+ marriage advice, gay marriage counseling, Gay Marriage therapy book Anniversary gifts for same-sex couples, gay anniversary gifts Self-help book for LGBTQ+ soon-to-be-married couples Gifts for gay husbands or gifts for gay wife Birthday gifts for gay men or birthday gift for gay women Gifts for gay couples in love Unique gifts for gay best friends Gay pride gifts for all occasions Gay marriage counseling for couples in the LGBTQ+ community
