Episode 234: The Evolution of Polyamory in America

Oct 20, 2023

In this engaging conversation, Christopher Gleason, a lecturer and director at Kennesaw State University, delves into the evolution of polyamory in America. He discusses how the term emerged in the 1990s and traces its roots back to 19th-century countercultural movements. The transformative impact of the 1960s sexual revolution and the internet in shaping modern polyamorous communities is highlighted. Gleason also explores how media portrayals have shifted from stigma to acceptance, influencing societal attitudes toward ethical non-monogamy.

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ANECDOTE

Gleason's Unique Academic Journey

Christopher Gleason shares his journey from a devout Christian seminary student to an agnostic researcher exploring polyamory.
His personal experience with sexuality and religious studies deeply influenced his academic work on polyamory history.

INSIGHT

Origins of Polyamory Explored

The term polyamory emerged in the early 1990s, but the practice dates back much further.
Polyamory's roots connect to 19th century free love communities and grew significantly in the 1960s counterculture.

INSIGHT

Spiritual Roots of Ethical Non-Monogamy

Ethical non-monogamy in the 1960s and 70s had deep spiritual and religious roots, contrary to popular belief.
New religious movements combined paganism and group marriage ideals to shape polyamorous ethics.

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Believe it or not, the term “polyamory” has only been around for a little over 30 years. However, while the name itself is still relatively new, the practice of it definitely isn’t. Although people were living polyamorous lives long before we ever had this name for it, the way people practice it has morphed and changed over time. So let’s dive into the long and fascinating history and evolution of polyamory in the United States.

My guest today is Christopher Gleason, who lectures at Kennesaw State University and is the Director of Academic Programs at the Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prisons. He lives in Atlanta and his latest book is titled American Poly: A History.

Some of the topics we explore include:

When did the term polyamory first enter the mainstream, and what were people calling it before that?
Who were the first people practicing something that looks like what we might call polyamory today?
How did countercultural religious movements in the 1960s and 70s shape the practice of ethical non-monogamy?
How did the advent of the internet impact the polyamory movement?
How have portrayals of polyamory evolved in the media, and how does this shape people’s views and attitudes towards it?

To stay connected, you can find Christopher on Instagram @christophermgleason

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.