Below is a descriptive listing of the same-sex couple study participants. Couples are listed together; if only one member of the couple participated in the study, his or her partner is listed in brackets. All names are pseudonyms, and some other identifying information such as occupation has been slightly altered for some individuals to protect confidentiality.

William Austin and Ken Glascott: William is a 39-year-old architect, and Ken, 38, is an actor. Both men are white and college-educated. They currently live in the city but have plans to move to the suburbs for William's job. William and Ken have been together two and a half years, and had a commitment ceremony after one year.

Jacob Berger [and Joe Neufeld]: Jacob is a 34-year-old small-business owner who describes his race/ethnicity as “white Jew.” Jacob and his partner Joe, who have been together twelve years, live in a condo in an upscale gay-friendly neighborhood in the city. They had a large commitment ceremony after nine years together.

George Brodie and Anthony Parisi: George is a 41-year-old dentist and Anthony is a 35-year-old psychologist. Both are white. George and Anthony own a home together in the suburbs. They have been together nine years, and had a commitment ceremony two years into their relationship.

Claire Bruno and Sue Bruno: Claire and Sue have been together for six years. Claire is 41, white, and a social worker. Sue, a 49-year-old therapist, describes her race/ethnicity as part European and part American Indian. The couple had a commitment ceremony after one year together, and Sue took Claire's surname as her legal name at that time. They are active members of the Metropolitan Community Church. Claire and Sue share a rented apartment in the suburbs.