The Gay Divorcee         

Frequently asked questions

Do I qualify to participate in the survey?
I am interested in hearing from any lesbians or gay men who were in a committed relationship and who had to divide property or arrange custody or visitation issues when it ended.

What if I live outside the United States?
This survey targets a United States population. If you live outside of the U.S., please email me directly.

I've had more than one broken relationship. How do I know which one to describe?
In most instances, people will be describing the relationship that meant the most to them. If you have had more than one relationship that meets the criteria for the study, and you really can't choose between or among them, feel free to submit more than one survey form.

If you write about me, will people be able to recognize me?
It is very unlikely that you will be recognized. I will not use your name and I'll try to place you in a geographic location different from your real one. I will try to change or obscure your employment and other identifying details.

The survey refers to "real" property and "personal" property: what's the difference?
Real property is real estate: land and buildings. Personal property is everything else: cars, stereos, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, furniture, art work.

The survey refers to "joint tenancy" and "tenancy in common": what's the difference?
Joint tenants typically have a right of survivorship, which means that if one partner dies, the surviving partner automatically owns the entire property, not just half of it. A joint tenant does not have the right to sell her share of the property to a stranger. A tenant in common owns his or her own individual share of the property and can sell it or leave it by will to anyone he or she likes.

Will I be able to see the results of these surveys?
I will post results of the survey on this site, starting sometime in 2001. If you give me permission to contact you, I will send you an email alert at that time.