Addressing A Lesbian Couple

Sending out cards, invitations & other pieces of mail to couples you know is standard as you prepare to get married or approach the holiday season. While greetings such as "Mr. & Mrs." & "Mr. & Ms." are fine for lots of couples, they are not appropriate when addressing a lesbian couple. While there is no "right" way to address a lesbian couple, doing so in the proper manner ensures you don't accidentally insult the ladies you are addressing.

What to do

• Learn if the couple is actually married. If the couple is married, it is feasible the now share the same last name.

• Select a level of formality. This determines if an honorific is used when addressing the lesbian couple.

• Use "Ms." for more formal instances. When "Ms." is used, place name on top of the other on the envelope or card in lieu of side by side. For example,

Ms. Jodi Parker

Ms. Jo Anne Parker.

• Write the name of the woman you know better, such as a relative, ahead of the other woman in the couple. Writing the names alphabetically is fine in case you have an equal relationship with both partners. (For example Jodi Parker & Jo Anne Parker).

• Write the names side by side in case you don't use "Ms." (For example Jodi Parker & Jo Anne Parker).

Learning this simple things may instill especially to your lesbian friends how you are careful about not hurting or making them feel uncomfortable.

The level of understanding or comfort we give to lesbian couples is not only by the time the two decided to be unified but also it extends all through their lifetime. The same goes through when you are invited to a gay wedding Hawaii event.