The geography of same-sex families in Australia : implications for regulatory regimes

Knowledge of the geographical scope of same-sex families is useful in appealing for relationship and family formation rights. This article analyses the geography of same-sex families in Australia through a critical mapping exercise, offering geographical analysis as a means to assist with their human rights claims. While maps have been used to shore up political and legal power, 'subversive' maps can visually challenge dominant views and advance minority groups' constitutive and distributional politics. We utilise 2006 Census data to map the distribution of same-sex couple family households across Australia, including variations by gender and dependent children. Same-sex families are widespread: aside from inner-city concentrations, there are significant suburban and regional populations. Female couples are more diffuse than male couples and more likely to have children,particularly in suburban and regional areas. The development and application of equal rights legislation and regulations must account for this geographical range.