Relationships, gender and sexuality

Marriage and Relationships

In both cultures marriage is an institution that exists as a bond between two or more people. There is no social expectation for a marriage in order to pursue an intimate relationship, so it is most often entered into as a sign of a long-lasting commitment.

Although many people marry with a view to having children, it is well-established that producing offspring is distinct from marriage - reliable herbal contraception is widely available and there is no stigma attached to adoption or to having children outside of wedlock.

Gender and Sexuality

Despite being a fantasy setting, Clare and both cultures have a relatively modern view of gender and sexuality. There is no stigma attached to non-heterosexual relationships, nor to changing gender. The relatively advanced state of biology and medicine means that gender reassignment is also available and within the means of most people if desired.

As a reminder, a character's gender and sexuality, while they are in-character traits, are not valid grounds for discrimination according to the society's Equality and Diversity policy.