Beyond Legal Recognition: Parental Acceptance and Couple-Level Minority Stress on Same-Sex Couples’ Well-Being in Chinese Societies

Abstract Previous studies in the Global North suggest that same-sex marriage brings positive impacts on the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and plus (LGBQ+) individuals. Parental acceptance is challenging yet important for LGBQ+ individuals, especially in Chinese societies, which strongly emphasize harmony and heteronormative family relationships. This paper examines the association between the legal recognition of same-sex couple relationships and one’s individual and relational well-being, and how it is mediated by parental acceptance and couple-level minority stress. We surveyed 812 LGBQ+ respondents in committed same-sex relationships in two Chinese-majority societies, Taiwan (with legal recognition of same-sex couple relationships) and Hong Kong (without such policy). We found that Taiwan respondents reported higher levels of parental acceptance and a lower level of couple-level stigma and discrimination than their counterparts in Hong Kong. While Taiwan respondents reported better relational well-being, there was no significant difference in individual well-being between the two societies. Experience of couple-level stigma and discrimination was associated with higher levels of depression. We argue that parental acceptance explains much of the significant variation in relationship satisfaction, beyond living in societies with or without legal recognition of same-sex couple relationships. As such, we underscore the importance of parental acceptance for LGBQ+ individuals in their relationship with their same-sex partners in Chinese societies. Furthermore, as same-sex couples continue to encounter couple-level minority stress and challenges in gaining parental acceptance, there is a need for mental health and social services to provide targeted support to enhance their well-being.