Some Vancouverites in “polyamorous” relationships are feeling a mixed sense of relief after a court decision upheld Canada’s law regarding multiple marriages. Released Wednesday, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Bauman’s 335-page decision says the Criminal Code section that prohibits polygamy does not cover the various forms of consensual, non-monogamous relationships known as polyamory……..

Polyamory is a novel concept that has surfaced over recent decades in the debates about non-monogamy. Polyamory circumscribes a relationship philosophy, an identity, or a lifestyle that evolves around the belief that it is worthwhile and valid to have more than one partner. Combining word elements derived from Greek (poly) and Latin (amory), the term literally translates into “many loves.” The concept of polyamory aims at providing a positive alternative to the more common term “non-monogamy,” which draws its meaning primarily from a negation of the dominant term “monogamy.” As a relationship ideology, polyamory encourages multiple or open relationships and challenges the normative ideal of compulsory monogamy. Polyamory spread in the United States throughout the 1980s and 1990s, where polyamorous communities have formed in many larger cities. Over recent years the term has gained significant popularity. The Internet has been an important tool for the development of an international online community. Today the term provides a point of reference for people interested in alternative lifestyles and sexualities beyond the North American continent and Europe, where the first networks around polyamory originated. There is no essential link between polyamory and any particular sexual identity. However, it seems as if discussions about polyamory have been particularly prominent in bisexual …

Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology

The MTV show “Undressed” ran from 1999 to 2002. It was the first time I ever heard the term Polyamory. Very interesting set of shows. I need to find the DVDs.

The 1994 film was my first introduction to Polyamory like thing. Before that it was all monogamy or porn for none monogamy. The movie never uses the term Polyamory or non-monogamy, yet that’s just what the movie was about. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it! It stars Lara Flynn Boyle, Steven Baldwin, & Josh Charles. 

Pagan Polyamory: Becoming a Tribe of Hearts

Polyamory is just wrong!

Book review by Peter Sagal of NPR

The Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Sexual PossibilitiesThe Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities

Responsible non-monogamy from a kink-friendly, pansexual point of view

By Christopher Ryan, Special to CNNJuly 29, 2010 2:24 p.m. EDT