While universal issues exist for all couples, same-sex couples present distinct clinical concerns that impact relational health. After reviewing the current literature in the field, two major issues emerged as significant: societal oppression and relational issues distinctive to same-sex gay, lesbian, and bisexual couples. Societal oppression includes homophobia, heterosexism, and the internalization of these dynamics. Additionally, the “coming out” process and gender role socialization uniquely impact the same-sex couple. Other areas that therapists need to consider when working with this population include multiple cultural variables, dyadic stage-related issues, and the couple's negotiation and maintenance of “family.”
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