Archive Version of
Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples
Online from 1995-2022

Demian and Steve Bryant originally founded Partners as a monthly newsletter in 1986. By late 1990 it was reformatted into a bi-monthly magazine. Print publication was halted by 1995 when Demian published Partners as a Web site, which greatly expanded readership.

In 1988, the Partners National Survey of Lesbian & Gay Couples report was published; the first major U.S. survey on same-sex couples in a decade.

In 1996, Demian produced The Right to Marry, a video documentary based on the dire need for equality that was made clear by the data from the survey mentioned above. The video featured interviews with Rev. Mel White, Evan Wolfson, Phyllis Burke, Richard Mohr, Kevin Cathcart, Faygele benMiriam, Benjamin Cable-McCarthy, Susan Reardon, Frances Fuchs, Tina Podlodowski, and Chelle Mileur.

Demian has been the sole operator during the last two decades of Partners.

Demian stopped work on Partners Task Force in order to realize his other time-consuming projects, which include publishing the book “Operating Manual for Same-Sex Couples: Navigating the rules, rites & rights” - which is now available on Amazon. The book is based on the Partners Survey mentioned above, his interviews of scores of couples, and 36 years of writing hundreds of articles about same-sex couples. It’s also been informed by his personal experience in a 20-year, same-sex relationship.

Demian’s other project is to publish his “Photo Stories by Demian” books based on his more than six decades as a photographer and writer.


Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples
Demian, director    206-935-1206    demian@buddybuddy.com    Seattle, WA    Founded 1986

Menu
Notable Events Legal Marriage Essays Legal Marriage Data Ceremonial Marriage Domestic Partnership
Legal Necessities Relationship Tips Immigration Couples Chronicles Parenting
Inspiration Orientation Basics Surveys Resource Lists Citation Information
Welcome (About) Your Host Copyright Policy Link Policies Search Site

How to Start Your Own Couples’ Group
by Demian
© June 20, 2014, Demian


  • Start with a Clear Purpose

  • Develop a Mission Statement out of That Clear Purpose

  • Getting Word Out
    Use local gay and lesbian media, community access cable, alternative newspapers, and grapevine.
    Post flyers at community centers, coops, businesses that cater to gay clientele.

  • Start with a Flexible, Mixed Agenda
    Blend support, discussion and social elements to keep it interesting.

  • Discussion Topic Ideas
    Legal marriage, legal matters, sex, jealousy, open or closed relationships, children, support for being in a relationship,
    domestic partner benefits, and dealing with blood relatives (especially around the holidays).

  • Social Activities
    Game Night, going to a theater production, movie, or watching a TV program.

  • Meet Regularly and at the Same Location
    Once established, the group can decide on frequency and location.

  • Select a Comfortable Meeting Place
    A home is convenient, but if the group becomes very large, another site may be needed.
    Because of privacy issues, avoid publicly accessed places like restaurants or coffee shops.
    Free library and school meeting rooms are good, as long as they have closeable doors.

  • Make It Easy to Run
    Don’t lock yourself into unwanted commitments.
    The business meetings need not take a lot of time; only a few minutes before and after the group discussions.

  • Don’t Make Too Many Rules
Return to: Partners: Table of Contents

© 2022, Demian
None of the pages on this Web site may be reproduced by any form of reproduction without
permission from Partners, with the exception of copies for personal, student, and
non-commercial use. Please do not copy this article to any Web site.
Links to this page are welcome.