Communications Toolkit
By posting storytelling and educational content on the Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy, you can help shine a light on non-monogamy and foster greater understanding and acceptance of our communities, relationships, and identities.
As part of this global week of action, we're inviting creators, organizations, and individuals to share content that showcases the diverse experiences and perspectives within the global non-monogamous community. Together, we’re actively shaping the narrative around family and relationship diversity in order to challenge misconceptions, foster understanding, and create a more open and inclusive world!
In this toolkit, you’ll find more info about the daily themes for the Week of Visibility, some social media graphics and sample posts / captions, prompts for social media content, and key talking points.
Use the hashtag #NonMonogamyVisibility
and tag us: @openloveorg!
Daily Themes
Each weekday during the Week of Visibility has a daily theme to explore different facets of the non-monogamy experience. These themes also provide a messaging hook for communications throughout the week!
Monday, July 15: History & Culture
Non-monogamy has a rich and varied history, extending far beyond modern Western contexts. It has been a common practice in many cultures around the world, from ancient civilizations to contemporary societies. This day will explore the historical prevalence of non-monogamy, debunking the myth that it is a new or Western concept. We will delve into the ways non-monogamous relationships have been practiced and accepted across different cultures and time periods, as well as the contemporary resurgence of these practices.
Tuesday, July 16: Identity & Inclusion
Non-monogamous individuals often navigate multiple intersecting identities, including race, gender, sexuality, and more. These intersecting identities significantly shape their experiences and practices of non-monogamy. This day focuses on understanding these diverse identities and exploring how non-monogamous communities can become more inclusive and supportive. We will discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals at these intersections and strategies for fostering a more inclusive community.
Wednesday, July 17: Myths & Misconceptions
Non-monogamy is surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions that can lead to stigma and misunderstanding. This day aims to address and debunk some of the most common myths, such as the ideas that non-monogamous relationships are solely about sex, that non-monogamous relationships are less serious or committed, and that non-monogamous parenting is harmful to kids. By correcting these misconceptions, we hope to foster a more accurate understanding of non-monogamy and reduce the stigma associated with it.
Thursday, July 18: Public & Private
Visibility is a powerful tool, but it is important to recognize that not everyone can or wants to be open about their non-monogamous relationships. Concerns about job security, parenting, and personal safety can make visibility challenging, and for some, privacy is simply a personal preference. This day acknowledges these realities and affirms that choosing privacy is a valid and important decision. We will also explore the consequences experienced by those who have chosen to be visible, highlighting both the positive impacts and the potential risks. Balancing visibility and privacy is a personal choice, and both paths are equally valid and respected within our community.
Friday, July 19: Law & Advocacy
Legal recognition and protections for non-monogamous relationships are crucial for ensuring the rights and safety of individuals. This day will cover the legal challenges and issues relevant to non-monogamous relationships, including family law, discrimination, and custody battles. Additionally, we will look at intersecting legal issues such as reproductive justice and online censorship. Advocacy efforts aimed at achieving legal reforms and protections will also be highlighted.
Sat-Sun, July 20-21: Action & Events!
It’s the weekend… let’s celebrate! Although in-person events will be taking place throughout the Week of Visibility, many events are happening over the weekend. Check out the public event directory to see if there’s something happening near you (and if there isn’t… think about organizing one yourself!).
Graphics, Videos, Captions, and Prompts
Social Media Graphics
Choose from dozens of social media graphics in square, landscape, or vertical resolutions, or use the blank template graphics to create your own!
Video Clips
Download video clips featuring speakers from OPEN’s 2023 Day of Visibility for Non-monogamy event in Oakland, California! Videos are available in landscape or horizontal.
Sample Captions
There's no 'one size fits all' for relationships. Love is as diverse as we are! It’s time to celebrate non-monogamous communities, families, and relationships. 🌈 Happy Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy! Learn more about #NonMonogamyVisibility at www.weekofvisibility.com
From polyamory to the swinger lifestyle to open relationships and everything in between, this week we celebrate the non-monogamy movement in all its forms. Happy Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy! #NonMonogamyVisibility www.weekofvisibility.com
Relationship equality is worth fighting for! Now, we celebrate the Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy. Share your stories, spread the love, end the stigma! #NonMonogamyVisibility 🎉 Join the celebration: www.weekofvisibility.com
You are not alone! Join us in celebrating the millions of non-monogamous individuals across the globe. We stand for acceptance, understanding, and love in all its forms. Let's shine together this Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy! #NonMonogamyVisibility www.weekofvisibility.com
Prompts
Use the following prompts as a thought-starter to create your own original content for the Week of Visibility! Posting a question you’d like people to answer, or a TikTok you’d like folks to stitch? Send us the link at weekofvisibility@open-love.org so we can include a link here, and use the hashtag #NonMonogamyVisibility so we can share you post!
Record a video about your journey into non-monogamy.
What do you love about being non-monogamous?
Why are you non-monogamous? For you, is it a lifestyle or an identity?
What do you think the various different ways of practicing non-monogamy (polyamory, swinger lifestyle, relationship anarchy) all have in common? How can we build connections to create a big-tent movement?
What do you wish the world understood about non-monogamy?
Why does visibility matter to you?
What do you hope for the future of non-monogamy
What’s your most awkward non-monogamy experience?
How did you first realize you were non-monogamous or wanted to explore non-monogamy?
TikTok Prompts
Stitch these posts on TikTok with your response to the prompt – or email your prompt post to info@open-love.org to add it here:
Talking Points
Here are the main talking points that we want to share with the world through the Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy!* For a PDF version of many of these talking points that you can print or share by email, check out OPEN’s Fact Sheet.
*Note: due to available research and language barriers, many of the stats and sources below are US-focused. However, non-monogamy is a global practice, and the Week of Visibility is an international week of action! If you are aware of relevant data from your country or region, we’d love to include it! You can reach us at <weekofvisibility@open-love.org>.
Non-monogamy is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated!
Non-monogamy isn’t new; it has been practiced around the world throughout much of history and by a multitude of different cultures.
People who practice non-monogamy are no less committed to their relationships than their monogamous counterparts. Communication, consent, and connection are core principles of non-monogamy which also lie at the heart of healthy and happy relationships of all varieties.
Non-monogamous people exist everywhere among your friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
5% of American adults are currently in a non-monogamous relationship (2014, 2023). While international data is somewhat lacking, that number is likely a reasonable benchmark.
From a recent survey of 1,000 American adults, 35% described their ideal relationship as something other than complete monogamy (2023).
Non-monogamy is practiced by people from all walks of life. The proportion of people who have engaged in consensual non-monogamy at some point in their life was not found to vary significantly across age, education level, income, religion, region, political affiliation, and race.
Non-monogamy looks different for everyone.
Non-monogamy is an umbrella term that encompasses numerous practices and identities including polyamory, open relationships, swinging (also known as the “lifestyle”), and more.
There is no “one size fits all” approach to relationships or families.
Non-monogamous people shouldn’t have to hide themselves or their families.
Almost two-thirds of non-monogamous adults reported experiencing some form of discrimination based on their non-monogamous identity or relationship style/structure (2020). Examples include family rejection, difficulty accessing supportive mental health care, housing discrimination, and workplace discrimination.
Many non-monogamous adults are forced to conceal their relationships to avoid these experiences of stigma and discrimination.
Luckily, a number of US cities have recently introduced nondiscrimination protections for diverse family and relationship structures: Somerville and Cambridge, MA in 2023 and Berkeley and Oakland, CA in 2024.
Being open about non-monogamy creates greater awareness on behalf of the community, leading to more acceptance and an expansion of civil rights.
The best way to increase understanding and acceptance of non-monogamous families and relationships is for people in our communities to open up about their identities (if they’re in a position to do so safely). People are more likely to be accepting of a minority identity (such as non-monogamy) when they know a non-monogamous person in their own life!
Non-monogamy is a global movement that is increasingly organizing for greater acceptance and expanded legal rights. By being open about our identities and organizing together, we can create a more open and loving world!
People who practice non-monogamy report many benefits including:
Access to a larger social network of friends and family
More honesty and communication within relationships
Greater autonomy, independence, and sense of freedom
Support with personal needs, from emotional support to parenting