"First comes love, then comes marriage…" The traditional "Escalator" model of intimate relationships is traditional, popular, and heavily promoted -- but it didn't just pop out of thin air. Learn why the Escalator exists, its steps and hallmarks, and how people are stepping off. Discover what research is revealing about the many ways that life, love, and family can work off the Escalator. This includes, but is not limited to, consensual nonmonogamy and polyamory.
The Relationship Escalator
What It Is, How It's Changing & Why It Matters
Saturday, August 22nd
6:00 pm
Room:
Mt. Elbert
Key Takeaways
1.
Why do people want to ride the Escalator -- or not?
2.
What is real life like off the Escalator?
2.
Why is there social stigma and backlash against unconventional relationships, and what can you do about it?
Amy Gahran (She/Her) is a journalist and author based in Colorado. The 2nd edition of her popular book, “Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator: Uncommon Love and Life, will be published in mid-2026. This major update synthesizes the recent explosion of research into all types of unconventional relationships, with insights into why the traditional Escalator model exists and how it’s changing.