Monday, February 11, 2008
A study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law released in January shows same-sex couples in Kansas increased by almost 68 percent − 3,973 to 6,663 − from 2000 to 2005. Researchers used statistics collected in the U.S. Census to show the distribution of same-sex couples throughout the state as well as the difference in income between themselves and their traditional counterparts.
Adam Romero, public policy fellow at the institute, said the study was intended to provide accurate information about same-sex relationships in order to encourage discussion and debate about sexual orientation and gay rights. The Williams Institute has conducted similar research in every state.
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—In 2000, there were 3,973 same-sex couples living in Kansas.
—In 2005, that number increased to 6,663 same-sex couples out of a total of 72,557 gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
—In 2005, 52 percent of same-sex couples were female while 48 percent were male.
—Same-sex couples constitute 0.7 percent of coupled households and 0.4 percent of all households.
—Those in same-sex couples are, on average, 39 years old while married couples are 48 years old.
—In 2005, an estimated 1,797 children were living in households headed by same-sex couples.
Source: Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law
Romero said the fact that there was at least one same-sex couple reported in every county showed how widespread same-sex relationships are. More disconcerting is the wide gap between the income of same-sex couples and those in heterosexual relationships. Although a higher percent of individuals in same-sex couples are employed, they earn substantially less than married individuals.
“Ultimately, what I think this shows is that people in same-sex couples, and gay and lesbian people more generally, could stand to benefit from protections from employment discriminations or some type of relationship recognition,” Romero said.
For those involved in the gay and lesbian community, the study’s findings are no surprise. Maggie Childs, chair of the local chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition and sponsor of the University’s Queers and Allies, said the rapid increase in people reporting being in a same-sex relationship probably had more to do with their comfort in admitting their lifestyle rather than the emergence of new couples.
“Like the community always says ‘we are everywhere,’” Childs said. “A lot of people don’t realize it because we can blend in. A lot of people in rural areas feel safer if they blend in so they stay in the closet. It shows that there are people who feel safe enough to tell that they are there on the census.”
Ryan Campbell, Queer and Allies president, said he was surprised at how much progress had been made during the Bush administration. He said the rise in couples reporting is a direct result of the gay rights movement and the increased acceptance and visibility of nontraditional lifestyles.
“It’s kind of getting to the point where everyone knows another person who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual,” Campbell said. “The more people there are that are comfortable around the community, the more people are willing to accept the fact that they can be in a relationship of some kind.”
Despite the presence of couples throughout the state, the overwhelming majority of couples are concentrated in cities and urban areas. Sedgwick County and Johnson County have the highest number of same-sex couples. Douglas County has the fifth highest total with 239 same-sex couples reported. Childs said the concentration was due to the fact that there is was more anonymity and diversity in urban areas.
She said it wasn’t surprising that Lawrence had a particularly high concentration of same-sex couples.
“Lawrence has been forever known as a liberal enclave so people looking for a more open environment come here,” she said. “The city prides itself on that, and it’s a magnet for people who are living out of the ordinary lives.”
Despite the increase in couples reporting their status, Romero and Childs both said they felt the community was still being underrepresented. Each said progress must continue to be made in the battle for equality.
— Edited by Katherine Loeck
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forbesfart (anonymous) says...
In counties and towns across our state are good decent glbt families raising their families next door to religous zealots and extremists.Know thy neighbor. The 82% voter approved marriage amendment to our state constution was most mean spirited. GLBT are pissed off about it.Ten years of gaybaiting to win elections on our backs.Just recently 70% of Kansans voted for Huckabee!GLBT Kansans live in a scary place.We are here and we are queer. Enough is enough. Count me.Thanks to the Williams Institute, GLBT Kansas couples made headlines! We do matter. We are on the invisible front lines of equality.
February 12, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )