Same-sex Marriage and Last Names

Introducing Mr. And Mr. Gay-Couple

So what happens when Adam Johnson marries Steve Smith? Do they keep their last names as is? Do they become Adam and Steve Johnson-Smith? Mr. and Mr. Smith-Johnson? Adam and Steve Smith? The Smohnsons?

Whether or not it's officially called “marriage” in their state, gay and lesbian couples are tying the knot around the country. Among the less contentious but still interesting side issues raised by the same-sex marriage debate is how to handle last names. We all know that, in our patriarchal system for heterosexual marriages, the wife customarily takes her new husband's name. Of course, that convention has been challenged by women who retain their original last names, as well as the equitable hyphenated lot.

So how can gay couples handle last names? Regardless of same-sex marriage laws, an individual is largely free to change his or her name through the court system. This means that, even if a union isn't recognized by a state government, couples have more name options than they can shake a stick at. Let's consider them:

Same-sex marriage and last names: Option 1
Keep both names the same. Probably the most popular route for now, this continuation of the status quo is easy. Linda Jones and Beth Thompson stay Linda Jones and Beth Thompson, eliminating confusion and hassle. One can argue that, since same-sex marriage already bucks social convention, gay couples are freed from the traditional expectation to use the same last name and should just keep their surnames as is. At the same time, one can also argue that this option doesn't allow for the same public, identity-altering symbolism inherent in a shared last name.