Boston marriage

In the 19th century, Boston marriage was a term used for households where two women lived together, independent of any male support. Whether these were lesbian relationships — in the sexual sense — is debatable and debated; the likelihood is that some were and some were not. Today, the term is sometimes used when referring to two women living together who are not in a sexual relationship.

Related Topics:
19th century - Women - Lesbian

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The term "Boston marriage" came to be used, apparently, after Henry James' book The Bostonians detailed a marriage-like relationship between two women — "New Women" in the language of the time, women who were independent, not married, self-supporting (which sometimes meant living off inherited wealth or making a living as writers or other professional, educated careers.) The play Boston Marriage by David Mamet depicts such a marriage as having an explicitly sexual component.

Related Topics:
Henry James - The Bostonians - David Mamet

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Ironically, the term was used long before same-sex marriage was first legalized in Massachusetts, and today two women can legally get married in Boston.

Related Topics:
Same-sex marriage - Massachusetts - Boston

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