Public perception UK

[RobertK]

Could someone help me to get a sense of how familiar is the general public with the concept of polyamory and what is the general perception of it in the UK? What is the opinion of the public? Is it worth to break it down geographically? How is it seen in LGBTQ+ communities?

Thanks

 

[Jinglebells3675]

I think that’s a really hard thing to define. We came from a swinging background and even amongst fellow swingers, it’s pretty frowned upon. I don’t think it’s particularly socially acceptable…but we often go out as a 4 and have never been challenged. What context are you thinking?

 

[RobertK]

Not sexual. Emotional and intellectual. Relationship, family focused. Eg. Poly families with children.

 

[Jinglebells3675]

Well, we are open with our other relationships. We also have children who understand our dynamic. They are all very accepting and our teenagers have quite poly outlooks. Our 7 year old doesn’t discuss it with her friends as, “They wouldn’t understand and would think it was weird”-- her own words. We have never asked her not to. We find family can be quite judgmental, but we are thick-skinned.

 

[kdt26417]

Hi RobertK,

I am thinking the general perception of poly in the UK is probably similar to what it is in the US. To begin with, most people have not even heard of poly, and most have not considered it one way or another. Of those who have considered it, most look upon it with wrath. It is considered to be an unhealthy, immoral, destructive way to live and love. There are, however, some open-minded people that are at least willing to say, "Well, it's fine for other people, it's just not for me." Now as for percentages I have no idea. I just have a very broad notion of "most, some," and what have you. And that is only based on my personal observation and experience.

Hope that helps,
Kevin T.

 

[Brazen]

Hi. We are UK-based. I would say it depends on where you live. In the more progressive cities and some towns, for example, Glastonbury, it seems to be, if not necessarily de rigueur, accepted. There are support groups and meet-ups. If you are in the home counties, or an area like that, it might be more difficult to find this level of support.

 

[SEASONEDpolyAgain]

I find that most people would find it weird to discuss polyamory, unless we are friends or significantly bonding. It's not that they'd judge harshly, they'd just see the disclosure as inappropriate in most settings.