A series of research studies has revealed that those in same-sex relationships have an increased likelihood of better family and marital relations then those in a heterosexual relationship.

Executive Director of the Rockway Institute Robert-Jay Green said that flexibility of gender roles and the equal division of parenting and household tasks results in more same-sex couples having healthier relationships than heterosexuals.

“It all comes down to greater equality in the relationship. Research shows that lesbian and gay couples - by virtue of being composed of two partners of the same gender - have a head start in escaping the traditional gender role divisions that make for power imbalances and dissatisfaction in many heterosexual relationships,” Mr Green said.

In the battle of all male versus all female, lesbian couples have been identified as having the healthiest relationships, with gay male couples coming in second place. Mixed gender relationships came in third position.  

Results from the study also revealed that same-sex couples were also significantly more flexible than heterosexual couples in the handling of guidelines and roles in a relationship.

Tags: glbt