Abstract
One of the main heteronormative beliefs is that same-sex partners do not enjoy stable
relationships and that their relationships are often consciously short-term and lack enduring
forms of commitment. The last three decades have witnessed the production of several studies
on same-sex intimate relationships and familial arrangements. Most of these studies compared
same-sex and heterosexual relationships. Past studies found some similarities between love
and satisfaction in heterosexual and same-sex intimate relationships. In this regard, this study
examined relationships stability and satisfaction ingredients among interracial gay partners
living in selected Johannesburg suburbs.
This study is based on an eight-month qualitative research among 10 interracial gay
partners living in some selected Johannesburg suburbs. Data were collected through in-depth
interviews from 10 interracial gay men (comprising 20 men) in intimate relationships. This
study finds that relationship stability and satisfaction was linked to effective communication,
trust and equity as the main elements of the interracial gay partnerships. Gay men in this study
have similar desires for close intimate bonds and stable households – and adopt numerous
resilience strategies to ensure that these relationships remain intact. This contradicts the
general stereotype that gay men are anti-family and averse to monogamy. In line with the
exchange theory, participants’ exchange of intangible resources, such as trust and effective
communication, are associated with their satisfaction and relationship stability.