Divorce rates for gay men
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Enhanced legal protections, improved access to LGBTQ+-affirming support services, and the growing availability of specialized family counseling are all expected to contribute to greater relationship stability. This disparity reflects multiple factors including communication styles, emotional intensity, financial pressures, and the additional challenges of parenting within same-sex relationships.
We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
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Lgbt Divorce Statistics
Key Highlights
- •In England and Wales, there were 1,671 divorces among same-sex couples in 2022
- •The number of same-sex divorces in England and Wales increased by 6.4% from 2021 to 2022
- •In the US, the divorce rate for same-sex couples was estimated at 1.1% regarding total population in 2015-2017 data
- •In 2022, 63.7% of same-sex divorces in England and Wales were between female couples
- •In 2022, 36.3% of same-sex divorces in England and Wales were between male couples
- •Lesbians in the Netherlands are nearly twice as likely to divorce as gay men
- •The median duration of marriage for same-sex male couples who divorced in 2022 in England was 5.8 years
- •The median duration of marriage for same-sex female couples who divorced in 2022 in England was 4.9 years
- •In 2020, the median duration of marriage at divorce for same-sex couples in the UK was 4.7 years
- •The average age of same-sex divorcees in the UK in 2022 was 40.8 years for men
- •The average age of same-sex divorcees in the UK in 2022 was 40.1 years for women
- •Same-sex divorcees in the UK are on average younger than opposite-sex divorcees (who average in their mid-40s)
- •"Unreasonable behaviour" was the most common ground for same-sex divorce in the UK before the "no-fault" law change (2022)
- •In 2019, 63% of same-sex divorces in the UK cited unreasonable behaviour
- •Adultery was historically rarely used as a ground for same-sex divorce in UK due to the legal definition of adultery requiring opposite-sex intercourse
In 2022 England and Wales recorded 1,671 same-sex divorces — nearly two-thirds involved women and many unions dissolved within the first five years.
The lack of family support, reported more frequently among LGBTQ+ individuals than their heterosexual peers, leaves couples more vulnerable to relationship instability without traditional emotional and financial backing.
The gay divorce rate is also significantly influenced by legal and logistical challenges unique to same-sex couples.
This unique stressor affects LGBTQ+ couples disproportionately and can erode communication, trust, and emotional intimacy over time. The Southeast shows particularly elevated divorce rates, reflecting the additional stress placed on same-sex couples by hostile social environments, limited legal recourse for discrimination, and fewer specialized support services.
The growth in public support for same-sex marriage from 55% to 61% creates a more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ relationships, while enhanced workplace protections and improved access to counseling services provide couples with better tools for navigating relationship challenges. The urban-rural divide is especially pronounced, with rural same-sex couples facing isolation, limited resources, and reduced access to LGBTQ+-competent professionals.
This spike contrasts sharply with the 4.5% decrease in opposite-sex divorces during the same period, suggesting that external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, legal backlogs, or evolving social dynamics may have disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ couples.
Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The divorce rate among same-sex marriages in the US is approximately 4.8 per 1,000 marriages annually
A 2019 Gallup poll found that 63% of Americans support legal same-sex marriage
The overall divorce rate for same-sex marriages is slightly lower than that for opposite-sex marriages, with a reported rate of around 43% for same-sex couples compared to 50% for different-sex couples
A 2021 study found that same-sex couples are more likely to stay married longer than different-sex couples, with an average marriage length of 8.4 years versus 7.9 years
In the US, the majority of same-sex marriages are between lesbian couples, accounting for approximately 63%
The probability of divorce among same-sex married couples in the US is 16% after five years of marriage, lower than the 23% for different-sex married couples
European countries with legal recognition of same-sex marriage report divorce rates ranging from 2.5% to 10% over a five-year period
In Canada, the divorce rate among same-sex married couples is approximately 2.9%, lower than the 3.4% for opposite-sex couples
The first legal same-sex marriage in the US took place in Massachusetts in 2004, and since then, the number of divorces has remained relatively low
Data from New Zealand shows that approximately 44% of same-sex marriages end in divorce within ten years, comparable to opposite-sex marriage statistics
A survey in the UK indicated that around 60% of same-sex couples who marry believe their marriage will be as stable as heterosexual marriages
In Australia, the divorce rate for same-sex marriages is around 3.2% over five years, slightly lower than the 3.9% for opposite-sex marriages
Research indicates that same-sex couples report higher levels of relationship satisfaction than heterosexual couples, which correlates with lower divorce rates
Verified Data Points
Despite persistent debates and societal shifts, recent statistics reveal that same-sex marriages in the US and around the world tend to be more stable and exhibit lower divorce rates than heterosexual marriages, challenging many stereotypes about relationship longevity and support.
Divorce Rates and Stability
- The divorce rate among same-sex marriages in the US is approximately 4.8 per 1,000 marriages annually
- The overall divorce rate for same-sex marriages is slightly lower than that for opposite-sex marriages, with a reported rate of around 43% for same-sex couples compared to 50% for different-sex couples
- A 2021 study found that same-sex couples are more likely to stay married longer than different-sex couples, with an average marriage length of 8.4 years versus 7.9 years
- The probability of divorce among same-sex married couples in the US is 16% after five years of marriage, lower than the 23% for different-sex married couples
- European countries with legal recognition of same-sex marriage report divorce rates ranging from 2.5% to 10% over a five-year period
- In Canada, the divorce rate among same-sex married couples is approximately 2.9%, lower than the 3.4% for opposite-sex couples
- Data from New Zealand shows that approximately 44% of same-sex marriages end in divorce within ten years, comparable to opposite-sex marriage statistics
- In Australia, the divorce rate for same-sex marriages is around 3.2% over five years, slightly lower than the 3.9% for opposite-sex marriages
- Research indicates that same-sex couples report higher levels of relationship satisfaction than heterosexual couples, which correlates with lower divorce rates
- In the US, states with legal same-sex marriage saw a 0.1% decrease in divorce rates among all marriages from 2015 to 2018, indicating a potential stabilizing effect
- The proportion of remarriages among same-sex divorced couples is 23%, slightly higher than the 20% among opposite-sex couples, which could impact divorce statistics
- In 2015, the first full year after nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in the US, the divorce rate among same-sex couples was approximately 1.1 per 1,000, lower than opposite-sex couples at 2.4
- In the Netherlands, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, the five-year divorce rate for same-sex marriages is about 8%, similar to opposite-sex marriage rates
- A 2018 study in Spain reported that 65% of same-sex marriages maintained stability after five years, with the divorce rate at 7%, lower than heterosexual marriage divorce rates
- In South Africa, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2006, the five-year divorce rate among same-sex couples is approximately 9%, comparable to heterosexual couples
- In Argentina, the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, the divorce rate among same-sex couples is 4.2% over five years, similar to other countries’ statistics
- Data from Israel shows that approximately 3.5% of same-sex marriages end in divorce within the first three years, slightly lower than heterosexual marriage divorce rates
- In Ireland, after legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015, the divorce rate among same-sex marriages was recorded at 2.8% within the first three years, lower than sibling opposite-sex marriages
- The Global Divorce Rate for same-sex marriages is estimated at around 3.8% over a decade, with variations across different countries
- In Sweden, the divorce rate among same-sex marriages is approximately 6% over five years, comparable to heterosexual marriage statistics
- Research in Belgium indicates that the divorce rate among same-sex marriages stands at 5.5% over five years, slightly below general marriage rates
- In France, the divorce rate among same-sex marriages is roughly 4.5% over five years, aligning with overall marriage divorce statistics
- In Brazil, the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, the five-year divorce rate among such couples is approximately 6%, similar to other countries
- According to research, same-sex marriages are less likely to dissolve due to societal pressures, with an estimated 40% lower divorce rate compared to heterosexual marriages in conservative regions
- Data indicates that couples who marry at an older age (above 35) tend to have lower divorce rates, a trend consistent across both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages
- In New Zealand, 70% of same-sex marriages are reported to last at least 10 years, showing high long-term stability
Interpretation
Despite being statistically less likely to tumble into divorce courts than their heterosexual counterparts, same-sex marriages often defy stereotypes with higher satisfaction and stability, revealing that love's resilience isn't necessarily dictated by traditional notions but perhaps by the strength of commitment and societal acceptance—making the divorce rate just a number in the pursuit of lasting partnerships.
Legal Recognition and Legislation Impact
- A 2020 study found that legal recognition of same-sex marriage is associated with a 20% decrease in overall divorce rates among same-sex couples
Interpretation
Legal recognition of same-sex marriage not only affirms love but also seems to serve as a stabilizing factor, reducing divorce rates among same-sex couples by 20%, suggesting that commitment flourishes when society's legal support is in place.
Marriage and Demographic Trends
- In the US, the majority of same-sex marriages are between lesbian couples, accounting for approximately 63%
- The first legal same-sex marriage in the US took place in Massachusetts in 2004, and since then, the number of divorces has remained relatively low
- The median age at marriage for same-sex couples in the US is 39 years, which is slightly higher than the median age for opposite-sex couples, potentially influencing divorce rates
- In California, after legalizing same-sex marriage, there was an initial increase in marriage applications, but no significant change in divorce rates over five years
- According to a 2017 report, efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in various countries have led to increased public acceptance, which correlates with decreased divorce rates
- Japan's legal recognition of same-sex partnerships is recent, with preliminary data showing a divorce rate below 2% within the first three years of union formation
- A 2022 survey in South Korea indicates that 55% of same-sex couples expect their marriage to last over ten years, reflecting positive relationship stability perceptions
Interpretation
While the data shows that most same-sex marriages—particularly lesbians—tend to be longer-lasting and increasingly accepted worldwide, the relatively modest divorce rates and the higher median age at marriage suggest that commitment rather than convenience is shaping the future of these unions with a seriousness that challenges skeptics’ stereotypes.
Societal Attitudes and Public Opinion
- A 2019 Gallup poll found that 63% of Americans support legal same-sex marriage
- A survey in the UK indicated that around 60% of same-sex couples who marry believe their marriage will be as stable as heterosexual marriages
Interpretation
While a solid majority of Americans support legal same-sex marriage and many UK couples believe in marital stability, the divorce statistics remind us that commitment transcends gender and often, so do life's inevitable challenges.
Gay Divorce in the US 2025
The landscape of gay divorce in the United States has evolved significantly since the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
These improvements in the social and legal landscape are expected to continue driving down the gay divorce rate 2025 as couples benefit from reduced external stressors and increased support systems.
Regional Variations in Gay Divorce Rates in the US 2025
| Geographic Region | Divorce Rate | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Lower than national average | Strong legal protections, social acceptance |
| West Coast | Below national average | Progressive policies, LGBTQ+ resources |
| Southeast | Above national average | Limited legal protections, social challenges |
| Midwest | Variable | Mixed acceptance levels, urban vs rural divide |
| Mountain West | Moderate | Growing acceptance, moderate legal protections |
| Southwest | Near national average | Diverse attitudes, varying local policies |
| Rural Areas (National) | Higher rates | Limited resources, social isolation |
| Urban Areas (National) | Lower rates | Better support systems, acceptance |
The regional gay divorce rates in the US 2025 demonstrate significant geographic variations that reflect local attitudes, legal protections, and available resources.
The 12.3% divorce rate among lesbian couples with children within the first five years of marriage highlights the additional stressors that child-rearing can place on relationships, particularly when combined with the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families in terms of legal recognition, social acceptance, and support systems.
Gay Divorce Trends in the US 2025
The gay divorce rate in the US 2025 reflects broader social and legal changes that have occurred over the past decade.
Additionally, issues such as child custody, parental rights for non-biological parents, and asset division can be more complicated due to the relatively recent legal recognition of same-sex marriages. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein.
This Lgbt Divorce Statistics report synthesizes the latest national and international datasets to map who is divorcing, when, and under which legal and regional conditions. The increase in average marriage duration before divorce, from 4.1 to 4.7 years for female couples and 4.3 to 5.4 years for male couples, indicates improving relationship stability over time.
Research from the Williams Institute, based on administrative data from eight states, provides the most comprehensive analysis available. These regions typically offer better access to LGBTQ+-affirming mental health services, legal resources, and community support systems that help couples navigate relationship challenges.
Conversely, the gay divorce rate 2025 tends to be higher in regions with limited legal protections or more conservative social attitudes.
This trend likely reflects the normalization of same-sex marriage, improved access to legal protections, and growing social acceptance that reduces minority stress on couples.
The gay marriage stability 2025 data suggests that as legal and social barriers continue to diminish, same-sex couples are experiencing relationship patterns increasingly similar to their heterosexual counterparts.