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 surgery means that gender reassignment surgery 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.