OurPath provides Straight Partners (the straight and non-trans partners of LGBT+ people) with resources to cope constructively with the life-changing experience of disclosure or discovery. We provide a safe space for Straight Partners to explore their own path toward a new normal. We help them navigate the challenges of rebuilding their identity, integrity and value systems post discovery/disclosure. We do this by providing individual and peer group support, and online resources for Straight Partners. We also reach out to the public and build bridges with organizations that promote LGBT+ equality to raise awareness about the Straight Partner experience.
Who We Serve
OurPath serves Straight Partners regardless of their marital status. Whether disclosure or discovery results in divorce, separation, or remaining in a healthy Mixed Orientation Relationship, we support Straight Partners in choosing their own path forward toward a future that aligns with their values and vision.
meet our team
From our Executive Director to our Group Leaders and Support Contacts, OurPath relies on a team of passionate, dedicated volunteers who have all experienced being partnered to an LGBT+ person. We know from personal experience what it means to be a Straight Partner, and we are uniquely suited to provide support and empower other Straight Partners to find their path forward.
our impact
With visits to the OurPath website, support meeting attendance, podcast downloads, engagement in our online groups, and requests for support, in 2019 OurPath helped Straight Partners in all 50 of the United States, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, France, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.K.
GOVERNANCE
OurPath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Board of Directors sets the tone, agenda, and policies of the organization based upon our Mission Statement. The Executive Director reports to the Board, and establishes and monitors objectives and programs to achieve OurPath’s goals. The Staff reports to the Executive Director, and is made up of volunteers supplemented by independent contractors for specialized services. The Staff implements programs and operations under the Director’s supervision and guidance. The Volunteer Force provides peer-to-peer support to our constituents.
Our History
In 1983, our founder Amity Pierce Buxton’s husband of 25 years came out as gay. At the time, Amity found there was little support for someone living her experience. Through Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Amity contacted other straight partners. In 1986 they formed a task force under the auspices of PFLAG for the support of current and former spouses and partners of LGBT+ people.
In 1991, the task force merged with another support organization to become the Straight Spouse Support Network, with seed funding from PFLAG. As the Network grew, it established local support groups and developed outreach and educational programs. In 1998, the organization’s name was shortened to Straight Spouse Network (SSN). Soon after, the organization established a digital presence with a website and online support groups with assistance from the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition, which is not the Family Equality Council (FEC).
In 2000, SSN became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization independent of PFLAG. It continued to grow, developing the structure required to support regular communications, affiliations with other groups, volunteer training and triage processes and procedures.
In 2020, the organization changed its name once more to reflect the expanding audience it serves. Now known as OurPath, Inc., the organization, run almost exclusively by volunteers, fields support inquiries from people around the world. There are more than 50 local support groups in the US, as well as affiliated support groups in Canada, Australia, India and the UK. OurPath responds to an average 145 new support requests each month.
Amity retired as Executive Director in the early 2000s, but continues to serve as a non-voting board member and valuable resource of OurPath.
OurPath Statement on LGBT+ Rights and Equality
Since our founding 30 years ago, OurPath has stood as an ally to LGBT+ individuals. We support full rights and equality for the LGBT+ community, including the future passage of the Equality Act. In 2008, we published a position paper on the harms of so-called Conversion Therapies, and in 2015, we cheered the United States Supreme Court decision to affirm marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges.
Our earliest support and funding came from LGBT+ groups such as PFLAG and FEC. Indeed, we began our work as a task force assembled under PFLAG.
In 2021, OurPath recommits to the vision of full equality for all LGBT+ people.
