LibraryScenariosHow to mourn when traditional family structures exclude your love
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How to mourn when traditional family structures exclude your love

I am gay and my partner of eight years died, but our traditional mourning ceremonies only recognize wives and blood relatives, so I have to grieve alone while his family performs the rituals.

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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Ancient customs can render modern forms of love invisible in moments of deepest need.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with African grief traditions — communal mourning?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.