Alaskan Gay Males’ Couple Experiences of Societal Non-Support: Coping Through Families of Choice and Therapeutic Means

Trends in the marriage and family therapy (MFT) field show that gay men access therapy at a rate two to four times greater than their heterosexual counterparts. Thus, MFTs must be prepared to meet the needs of such clientele. Little research has been conducted on male–male couple experiences and less has been conducted in Alaska. In this qualitative study involving eleven participants we explored societal experiences and coping strategies of Alaskan male–male couples. Themes demonstrated more non-supportive than supportive experiences, the use of families of choice as the primary means of coping, and mixed therapeutic experiences.