How do I introduce gay couple?

[Anonymous]

I like the earlier suggestion: "So-and-so, meet John and Joe. John is my daughter's teacher." They may be out or not, they may be partners or spouses, unless you know for sure, and even if you do, I think it's fine to just introduce them by name. (I do have gay friends and a gay brother-in-law.) You could also ask the teacher if he's married. He would likely tell you if Joe is his husband or his partner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like the earlier suggestion: "So-and-so, meet John and Joe. John is my daughter's teacher." They may be out or not, they may be partners or spouses, unless you know for sure, and even if you do, I think it's fine to just introduce them by name. (I do have gay friends and a gay brother-in-law.) You could also ask the teacher if he's married. He would likely tell you if Joe is his husband or his partner.

I agree- don't overcomplicate it. Or, if you really don't know, do the reverse introduction.

John and Joe, I'd like you meet my neighbor Jane.

In your previous example you only elaborated on their relationship.

[Anonymous]

Two of my dearest friends are gay and have been in a long term relationship for almost 15 years. I would say, "I would like you to meet John Lastname and Joe Lastname. John is DD's teacher". And leave it at that.

If you were introducing my husband and me, you would say, "I would like you to meet Sarah and Michael. Sarah is my daughter's teacher". You wouldn't necessarily feel the need to elaborate on the relationship. It's fairly obvious from the introduction.

[Anonymous]

The only problem with dropping partner is if OP introduces the married couples as husband and wife. If an engaged couple attends, would you not introduce them as each other's fiance(e).

Come on. They're partners. OP, be brave! Celebrate it!

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. If you would introduce a married couple as so and so, my daughter's teacher and his wife so and so, you are be unfair in not doing so with the gay teacher. In short you would be treating them as less and we all know its wrong.

If on the other hand you would have introduced a married couple just by their first names, it would not be wrong, but we all know that you do not do that, as we wouldn't be having this thread if you did.

[Anonymous]

I disagree with all those who say "This is John and Joe. John is my kid's teacher." If you are giving information of one and not the other, it marginalizes the other person. It's like, why are they there? I think it would be perfectly appropriate to ask John what they prefer. I agree that if they are at an event with students and parents, they are probably out. But best to leave it to them to decide.

When I am at a social event and people avoid the issue - I HATE it. I would MUCH prefer: "This is Sally and HER WIFE/PARTNER Sue." It's demeaning otherwise.

And I appreciate you asking the question, it shows you are very thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

When I introduce a married couple I don't usually say "John and his wife Joanna" so I would just say "John and Joe, we know Joe because he is kid's teacher."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I introduce a married couple I don't usually say "John and his wife Joanna" so I would just say "John and Joe, we know Joe because he is kid's teacher."

I'm sure when John and Joe come over you'll say "Joe? What do you do...." Then you can say..."This is John and Joe, John is Sally's teacher and Joe works for so and so" Everyone will know that John and Joe are partners.

Just like if you said "This is John and Mary, John is Sally's teacher and Mary works for so and so" Everyone will know that John and Mary are married.