Polyamory
Consensual, committed relationships with multiple partners.
Polyamory is the practice or support of maintaining committed, romantic, and/or sexual relationships with more than one partner, in parallel or concurrently, with the consent of all involved partners. It is a form of ethical non-monogamy that emphasizes love, honesty, and communication, and has been increasingly recognized in legal and clinical contexts.
- field
- Relationship practice / Ethical non-monogamy
- known_for
- Consensual multi-partner relationships; coined in 1990
- coined
- 1990 by Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart
- OED_added
- 2006
- prevalence
- About 4% practice; up to 17% open to it
Lore & Background
The term polyamory first appeared in a May 1990 article by Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart in Green Egg Magazine as 'poly-amorous.' In May 1992, Jennifer L. Wesp created the Usenet newsgroup alt.polyamory, which the Oxford English Dictionary cites as the first verified appearance of the word. The OED added polyamory, polyamorous, and polyamorist in 2006. Some reference works define polyamory as a relational form involving multiple people with consent, while others have been criticized for omitting consent from their definitions.
Reader's Guide
Polyamory has been depicted in media from the 1970s onward, including works by Isaac Asimov, DC Comics' Starfire, The Wheel of Time series, Futurama, and numerous 21st-century television shows and novels. Observances include Metamour Day on February 28, Polyamory Pride Day during Pride Month, International Solo Polyamory Day on September 24, and Polyamory Day on November 23. Courts and cities in Canada and the U.S. increasingly recognize polyamorous families, granting legal parentage to multiple adults. In clinical settings, therapists are encouraged to recognize diverse relationship structures and address biases toward monogamy. Critics argue polyamory is not inherently radical, often reflects privilege, and may have negative social impacts. Notable individuals publicly identifying as polyamorous include authors Dossie Easton, Janet Hardy, and Laurell K. Hamilton; filmmaker Terisa Greenan; activist Brenda Howard; musician Willow Smith; and journalist Quinn Norton.
Did You Know?
- The word polyamory combines the Greek word for 'many' (poly) and the Latin word for 'love' (amor).
- Polyamory is not typically considered part of the LGBTQ umbrella because it is not a sexuality or gender identity.
- The Kinsey Institute estimated half a million 'openly polyamorous families' in the United States in July 2009.
- Polyamory-related observances include Polyamory Pride Day during Pride Month and Polyamory Day on November 23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polyamory in the S&P I canon?
Polyamory is a relationship model where a person maintains committed romantic and/or sexual bonds with more than one partner at the same time, with every partner's full knowledge and consent. It sits within the ethical-non-monogamy field and is specifically known for consensual multi-partner arrangements built on honesty and open communication.
What is Polyamory's role or 'power set'?
Its core function is to show that love, commitment, and sexual intimacy can be distributed across multiple partners rather than confined to a single one, provided all parties agree. It operates as a structured alternative to monogamy that foregrounds ongoing consent, transparency, and negotiated boundaries.
When and by whom was Polyamory introduced?
The term was coined in 1990 by Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart to label the practice she and her community were already living. It was later admitted into the Oxford English Dictionary in 2006, marking its transition from subculture jargon to recognized vocabulary.
How prevalent is Polyamory in the wider 'universe'?
Surveys suggest roughly four percent of people actively practice some form of polyamory, while up to seventeen percent say they would be open to it. That gap points to a sizable latent audience even among those who currently identify as monogamous.
Why is Polyamory considered a pivotal entry in the S&P I series?
It directly challenges the default assumption that one-partner exclusivity is the only legitimate shape for committed love, and its growing visibility in legal frameworks and clinical settings signals a broader cultural shift in how consent, jealousy, and partnership are understood.
More in Sexual Practices & Identities 1-24
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