OPEN’s 2024 Community Survey report offers a detailed look into the lives, experiences, and challenges of non-monogamous individuals. With 4,554 respondents from 71 countries and 52 US states and territories, our third annual survey represents one of the most comprehensive studies of the non-monogamous population to date. Click here to view the full survey report, or read our summary below.

Demographics and Relationship Practices:

The survey revealed a diverse community, with the majority of respondents (67%) between 25-44 years old. The survey skews heavily towards the United States (70%), with the UK, Australia, and Canada representing an additional 16% of responses:

The responses also reflect a strong overlap between non-monogamy and LGBTQ+ identities. Only 33% of respondents identified as heterosexual/straight, and 76% identified as cisgender. This intersection highlights the importance of considering non-monogamy within broader conversations about gender and sexual diversity.

When asked to select the label that best described them, 46.5% of respondents identified as polyamorous. The survey also captured a wide range of other non-monogamous identities, including open relationships, relationship anarchy, and swinging:

Importantly, 57% of respondents reported practicing non-monogamy for more than three years, indicating a committed and experienced community.

Openness and Visibility:

The survey revealed that many non-monogamous individuals still struggle with openness about their identities. While most respondents were fully open with close friends (77%), the numbers dropped significantly in other areas of life:

This lack of openness often stems from fear of discrimination and social stigma, which can have negative impacts on mental health and overall well-being. Narrative responses reflect this reality:

“I’m a professional in a small, conservative rural community. Disclosure is not something I can have professionally.” (Wisconsin, US)
“I will always live a double life to some extent, being out in some social circles but not others. Simply not fitting into the typical nuclear family box means that people will think less of you, consciously or unconsciously.” (Massachusetts, US)
I am unable to share my full self with my parents and family. They don't have the emotional vocabulary to discuss something so outside of their experience and comfort zone. As a result they miss out on a significant part of who I am, my relationships, and my experiences. (New York, US)
I served in the military; myself and many other poly people kept hidden for fear of retaliation. (Washington, US)

Stigma and Discrimination:

Perhaps the most striking finding of the survey was the prevalence of stigma and discrimination faced by non-monogamous individuals. A majority of respondents (60%) reported experiencing stigma or discrimination based on their non-monogamous identity in at least one area of life:

Narrative responses illustrate these experiences:

Family acceptance: “My family cut me out of their lives when I came out” (Missouri, US)
Community acceptance: “Our children have lost friends due to parents who don’t accept our lifestyle and no longer let their kids play with ours.” (Virginia, US)
Mental healthcare: "When seeking mental health care and therapy, I've had professionals try to tell me that poly arrangements are inherently unhealthy, or that they're the source of my problems” (Australia)
Healthcare: “Primary care physician formally recommended I return to a committed monogamous relationship and refused to provide sexual health testing I requested” (Wisconsin, US)
Custody: “It was a factor in me losing legal custody of my children during a custody battle.” (Massachusetts, US)
Employment: “I was let go from a teaching job because I openly had more than one partner.” (Minnesota, US)
Housing: “We recently were sent a lease for our family to sign. They were aware we were 3 adults, but we did not specify we were all in a relationship. They rescinded the lease offer when they found out.” (Maine, US)

Importantly, the survey found that individuals with intersecting marginalized identities faced even higher rates of discrimination. For example:

Transgender individuals were 68% more likely than cisgender individuals to face housing discrimination, and 50% more likely to face healthcare discrimination.
Women and non-binary individuals reported higher rates of discrimination across all categories compared to men.
LGBTQ+ respondents faced significantly higher rates of discrimination compared to heterosexual respondents, with disparities ranging from 18% higher in social acceptance to 101% higher in accessing public services.

These findings underscore the importance of an intersectional approach to advocacy for non-monogamous rights and acceptance.

Barriers and Priorities:

Respondents identified several significant barriers to practicing non-monogamy, with social stigma and fear of institutional discrimination topping the list. Lack of access to non-monogamous communities and resources were also cited as challenges.

When asked about priorities for advocacy, respondents emphasized the importance of:

Passing laws to protect against discrimination
Creating media and events to normalize non-monogamy
Developing resources for diverse non-monogamous experiences

Recommendations

Implement Legislative Protections:

Policymakers and legislators should adopt non-discrimination laws at local, state, and national levels that explicitly include protections for non-monogamous individuals and families.

Increase Public Awareness:

Public health organizations and advocacy groups should launch public education campaigns to dismantle myths and misconceptions about non-monogamy and highlight the prevalence and normalcy of diverse relationship structures.

Support Inclusive Policies:

Companies, professional organizations, and other groups should develop and implement inclusive policies that recognize and protect non-monogamous relationships in areas such as healthcare, housing, employment, and education.

Foster Inclusive Communities:

Non-monogamous communities, organizers, and other allied groups should create and promote community resources, support groups, and events that encourage acceptance and understanding of non-monogamous individuals and are inclusive of individuals from all walks of life, especially those with intersecting marginalized identities.

Encourage Research and Data Collection:

Researchers and academic institutions should conduct and support further research to better understand the experiences of non-monogamous individuals and build a robust body of evidence that can inform policy and advocacy efforts.

Engage with Intersectional Advocacy:

Advocacy organizations should collaborate with other marginalized communities to address the compounded discrimination faced by individuals with intersecting identities, such as LGBTQ+ non-monogamous people, people of color, and those with disabilities.

Promote Legal Education and Resources:

Legal aid organizations and advocacy groups should develop and distribute legal resources to help non-monogamous individuals understand their rights and navigate legal challenges related to their relationship structure.

Conclusion

OPEN’s 2024 Community Survey provides crucial data that illuminates the experiences, challenges, and needs of the non-monogamous community. It underscores the urgent need for legislative protections, increased public awareness, and inclusive policies across various sectors of society.

The high rates of discrimination and the challenges in being open about non-monogamous identities highlight the ongoing stigma faced by this community. At the same time, the diversity of respondents and the long-term commitment many have to non-monogamous relationships demonstrate the resilience and growth of this population.

As society continues to evolve in its understanding of relationships and family structures, the insights from this survey provide a roadmap for advocacy, education, and policy change. OPEN's work in these areas is more crucial than ever for promoting acceptance and equality for all relationship structures. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution, and join our email list for updates and opportunities to take action!

OPEN's 2024 Community Survey Provides Comprehensive Insights into Non-Monogamy