The Williams Institute

Similar patterns of racial disparities in income and employment exist among individuals in same-sex and different-sex couples. The report also found that racial/ethnic minority individuals in same-sex couples tend to live in areas where there are higher proportions of individuals of their own race or ethnicity.

Among same-sex couples, African-American, Latino, American-Indian and Alaskan Native respondents have lower incomes, lower college completion rates and higher unemployment rates than White, Asian and Pacific Islander respondents. Regardless of race or ethnicity, individuals in same-sex couples have higher unemployment rates and, yet, higher rates of college completion compared to their counterparts in different-sex couples. Among same-sex couples, American-Indian, Alaskan Native and Latino/a individuals in same-sex couples are the least likely (70%, 71%) to be covered by health insurance. Health insurance rates are generally lower for individuals in same-sex couples compared to their counterparts in different-sex couples.

The report also found racial/ethnic minority individuals in same-sex couples are more likely to have kids compared to White individuals in same-sex couples. About 1 out of every 3 individuals in same-sex couples raising children are people of color. Trends among ethnic minorities in same-sex couples differ slightly from national trends in that African-Americans are more likely to have children compared to Latinos/as; African-Americans in same-sex couples had a rate of raising children much closer to their different-sex counterparts than any other group.