write up on polyamory & writing characters in polyamorous relationships in RP

indiewritingrefs:

so what is polyamory?

polyamory is the state of being in a romantic or sexual

relationship with more than one person at the same time with all partners involved consenting and aware of the parameters of the polyamorous relationship

isn’t that just the same thing as a threesome / love triangle?

nope! polyamory differs because it’s a relationship. a threesome is purely sexual and often only happens once between those involved and love triangles don’t involve consent or sometimes even the knowledge of all parties involved and are largely considered unhealthy with how it can impact the parties involved.

polyamory thrives on two things: consent & awareness.

whereas a threesome is generally a one time thing, polyamory is a relationship involving consistency and commitment between more than one person.

polyamory isn’t just about sex. it’s about love and commitment as well for some if not all of those involved but there are many types of polyamory.

well then isn’t it basically polygamy?

polygamy is the marriage between one person and multiple partners. it’s a type of polyamory but does not always involve love between all parties involved and is usually politically related more than it is love and consent related. which is not to say polygamy can’t be consensual and loving the way polyamory in general is, it’s just to say the modern notion of polygamy is largely political.

TYPES OF POLYAMORY:

• open relationships: in which two parties are in a relationship but it is open to the parties involved having other romantic relationships on the side / in addition to the one they are currently in
• polygamy: closed relationship in which the parties involved are all married usually to one person
• polycule: a complex inter-connected polyamory relationship
• polyfidelity: all partners are primary to other partners within the group and sex is shared only among the group
  
• eclectic relationship:  relationship in which members are of varying sexualities with diverse elements as to how they function in the group
• group relationship: a committed, loving relationship involving multiple partners

• inclusive relationship: a relationship in which all partners agree to include more lovers into their relationship

• multipartner relationship: any relationship that is nonmonogomous

WRITING POLYAMOROUS CHARACTERS:

this is a tough one because a lot of roleplay settings involve only one on one interactions. a good way to roleplay polyamory is to have multiple verses set up in which certain character involved with relationships with your own take place in the same verse. it’s important that all characters involved are consenting to this relationship, understand it is not monogomous, and are okay with being in the relationship. this can involve as many people in a ship as you want. it can be as diverse as your character only loving one person but having multiple consenting sexual partners or as complex as loving multiple characters who also love your character / love certain characters in addition to. it’s up to you and what feels right for your character! 

polyamory is just as complex and diverse as your character(s) is / are, it’s okay to play around with group dynamics to see what is right with your character and polyamory.

just as much as it is important that the characters involved are consenting, the muns involved should be aware and consenting too. make sure you discuss it with your writing partners out of character as well to make sure they understand how it works and how it will play out in threads / writing.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:     CONSENT IS MANDATORY. CONSENT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF EVERY POLYAMOROUS RELATIONSHIP.