Polyamorous

The practice of engaging in multiple romantic and/or sexual relationships simultaneously, with the knowledge and full consent of all parties involved. Polyamory is a relationship structure - not a sexual orientation. Polyamorous people can be of any gender identity or sexual orientation.

Greek poly- (many) + Latin amor (love). Coined by Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart in 1990 in the essay "A Bouquet of Lovers", published in the Green Egg pagan journal.

• Multi-partner relationships exist throughout human history; modern polyamory emphasizes consensual, ethical non-monogamy with emotional honesty
• 1990 - Term "polyamory" coined by Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart
• 1997 - The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy published
• 1995 - Jim Evans designs the first polyamory flag
• November 23, 2022 (Polyamory Day) - Red Howell's redesign wins a community vote of 30,827 participants

• "Polyamory is just an excuse to cheat." Polyamory is defined by explicit consent and honesty. Cheating involves deception - the opposite.
• "Polyamorous people can't love deeply." Love is not a finite resource. Many polyamorous people describe their relationships as profoundly committed.