AFFIDAVITREGARDINGDISCRIMINATIONAGAINSTTHOSEENGAGEDINAND/ORIDENTIFIEDWITHCONSENSUALNON-MONOGAMY I,DR.HEATHSCHECHINGER, affirmthetruthofthefollowingunderthepenaltiesofperjury:
1. I havestudiedand/orworkedinthepsychologyfieldforover17years,withaspecialinterestin familyandrelationshipstructurediversity, includingconsensualnon-monogamy(CNM).
2. CNMis a categoryof relationshiparrangementsinwhichallpartnersconsenttoextradyadic sexualand/orromanticrelationships.Thiscategoryincludes(butis notlimitedto)polyamory, swinging,andopenrelationships.
3. I graduatedwitha BSinPsychology(2007)andanMEdinHigherEducation(2010)fromIowa StateUniversity, as wellas a PhDin CounselingPsychologyfromtheUniversityofKansas (2016).I completedmydoctoralinternship(2016)andpostdoctoralfellowship(2017)at UC Berkeley’s CounselingandPsychologicalServices,followedby fouryearsas a Counseling PsychologistatUCBerkeley’sUniversityHealthServices.
4. I amacounselingpsychologistdeeplycommittedtoexploringandnurturingthevastspectrumof familyandrelationshipconfigurationsin contemporarysociety. AstheCo-Founderof the ModernFamilyInstitute,andFoundingCo-chairoftheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation's Division44 Committeeon ConsensualNon-Monogamy, myfocusis onunderstandingand supportingthe variedfactorsthatcontributeto a broaderandinclusiveunderstandingof relationshipdynamics.Leveragingmy extensiveexperiencein bothresearchandclinical practice,I aimtoenrichourcollectiveunderstandingintothenuancesofhumanconnections.
5. AstheFoundingCo-chairoftheAPADivision44CommitteeonConsensualNon-monogamy, I havehadthefortuneof leadinga teamof prominentandrespectedfiguresin psychology, 1 sociology, healtheducation,andlaw, withjustover40psychologists,researchers,educators, graduatestudents,andlawyerscontributingto ourprojects.TheCommitteesInitiativeshave rangedfromconductingCNMresearchtocreatingresourcesfortherapistsandeducatorsand draftinga specialreporton consensualnon-monogamythatwe willbe submittingto the AmericanPsychologicalAssociation.
6. I havefivepeer-reviewedpublicationsregardingCNM,includingfirstauthorshiponthelargest studytodateaddressingCNMclients’experiencesintherapy. I ama leadauthoronmultiple APADivision44CommitteeonCNMresources,includingtheCommitteeonCNM’sFactSheet andCNMforMentalHealthProfessionalsBrochure,
7. I amco-leadingthedraftingofthespecialreportonCNMandwasalsoaleadco-authorforthe guidelineaddressingCNMfortheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation’sPracticeGuidelinesfor Lesbian,Gay, andBisexualClients.
8. Frommanyhoursof study, research,andformaltraining,I amwellversedin theavailable psychologicalliteratureonCNMandhavebeenaskedbynumerousrespectedjournalstopeer reviewarticlesinthearea.
9. I havebeencontactedto sharemyopinionsaboutCNM-relatedissuesforarticlesin major publicationssuchasTheNewYorkTimes,BBC,PopularScience,Vogue,andTheGuardian, amongothers.
10.I alsoserveasAdvisoroftheKinseyInstituteLibraryandSpecialCollectionsfortheKennethR.
HaslamCollectionon Polyamory. MycolleaguesandI helpcollectandarchivehistorically relevantstories,artifacts,narratives,andresourcesregardingconsensualnon-monogamy.
11.Empiricalresearchindicatesthatinterestandinvolvementin diverserelationshipstructures, includingCNM,isbecomingincreasinglycommon.Recentresearchindicatesthattheinterestin 2 engaginginpolyamorousrelationshipsintheUnitedStatesmirrorsa surprisinglycommonand relatablemetric:approximatelyoneinsixAmericans,a proportioncomparabletothenumberof individualswhoowna cat,expressa desiretoexplorepolyamorousconnections.Furthermore, theincidenceofAmericanswhohaveexperiencedpolyamorousrelationshipsstandsat onein nine,equatingthiswiththefrequencyofAmericansattaininga graduatedegree,underscoring theconsiderablepresenceandpotentialnormalizationofsuchrelationshipstructureswithinour society. A2016studyconductedbyresearchersattheKinseyInstitutealsorevealedthataround oneinfiverespondentsreportedparticipationinsomeformofconsensualnon-monogamyduring theirlifetimes,encompassingpolyamory, swinging,andopenrelationships.Thesestatisticsnot onlyilluminatethesubstantialminorityofindividualsinterestedinoractivelyengaginginCNM butalsochallengeus to rethinkandexpandourconventionalunderstandingof relationship dynamicsincontemporaryAmerica.
12.Researchindicatesthatinvolvementin CNMrelationshipstructuresarehighlystigmatized.
ExperimentalstudiesdemonstratethatCNMrelationshipsarejudgedasinferiortomonogamous relationshipsina numberofways,suchasbeingperceivedaslesstrusting,lessmeaningful,less satisfying,andas resultingin poorerwell-beingamongindividualsinvolvedcomparedto monogamousrelationships.Perhapsevenmoreconcerning,individualsengagedin CNM relationshipsareperceivedtobelessmoralthantheirmonogamouspeers.Forexample,arecent studyfoundthatadultsintheU.S.anticipatedthatindividualsengagedinCNMrelationships wouldbelesslikelytotakegoodcareofapetorpaytheirtaxesontimecomparedtoindividuals inmonogamousrelationships.
13.CNMstigmaappearsto be basedon unfoundedstereotypes,as researchinvestigating relationshipqualityamongindividualsengagedin CNMvs.monogamousrelationshipshas 3 foundequitablelevelsofrelationshipquality(e.g.,trust,commitment,longevity)andwell-being (i.e.,thementalhealthoftheindividualsinvolved)acrossrelationshipstructures.Thereisalarge andgrowingbodyofempiricalliteraturethatdemonstratesthatconsensualnon-monogamyis and shouldbe consideredto be an equallyvalidand viablealternativeto monogamy.
Additionally, whenmonogamousindividualsareaskedto defineCNM,theyoftenfocuson behaviors(orlackthereof)relatedtocommitmentandperceivesexasa requirementinCNM relationship,whereasthoseactuallyengagedinCNMreportdefinitionsfocusedonpotentialnew waysofrelating,emotions,andethicsaswellasthenon-centralityandoptionalaspectsofsex andreportmotivationsforengaginginCNMotherthansexualactivityorinterestlikeindividual andrelationalwell-beingandneedfulfillmentlikeautonomysupport,beliefsandvaluesystems, relationality, sexuality, personalgrowth,andpragmatism.Insum,thedatacollectivelychallenges the stereotypethatindividualsprimarilyengagein consensualnon-monogamyfor sexual motivationsor to avoidcommitment.Whilesexmaybeanimportantaspectof consensual non-monogamyformany, it doesnotappearto bethepredominantpriorityforthemajority choosingthistypeofrelationship.
14.Contrarytosomebeliefsthatconsensualnon-monogamy(CNM)mayadverselyaffectchildren and familydynamics,currentempiricalresearchpresentsa differentnarrative.Studies consistentlydemonstratethatchildrenraisedinCNMfamilystructuresexhibitoutcomesthatare comparableto theirpeersfrommonogamousfamiliesin termsof emotional,social,and academicdevelopment.Thisparitysuggeststhatthewell-beingofchildrenisinfluencedmoreby thequalityofcare,love,andsupporttheyreceiveratherthanthespecificfamilyconfiguration.
Moreover, a notablebodyof psychologicalresearchandfirsthandaccountsfromfamilies involvedin CNMhighlightthe potentialadvantagesof sucharrangements,includingthe 4 presenceofadditionalcaregivers.Thisexpandedsupportnetworkcanenricha child'slifewith diverseperspectives,emotionalsupport,andpracticalassistance,embodyingtheadagethat"it takesa villagetoraisea child."Byprovidinga nurturingenvironmentbuiltonmutualcareand respect,CNMfamiliesdemonstratethecapacitytomeetthedevelopmentalneedsofchildren effectively. ThesefindingschallengethebaselessstigmasurroundingCNMandaffirmthe diversityofhealthy, supportivefamilystructurescapableoffosteringchildwell-being.
15.Thediscoursesurroundingconsensualnon-monogamytranscendstraditionalpartisandivides, illustratingthattheconversationaboutdiverserelationshipstructuresis notconfinedwithin politicalboundaries.DespitecommonperceptionsthataligntheCNMcommunitywithmore liberalideologies,empiricalevidencesuggeststhatpoliticalaffiliationdoesnotserveas a reliableindicatorofone'sengagementinorsupportforCNM.Datafromrepresentativesamples reveala balanceddistributionacrossthe politicalspectrum,withequitablepercentagesof individualsidentifyingas Republicansand Democratsalikehavingparticipatedin CNM relationships.This diversityunderscoresthe universalrelevanceand appealof CNM, highlightingitspresenceacrossvarioussegmentsofsocietyregardlessofpoliticalleanings.By acknowledgingthenonpartisannatureofCNM,wecanfostera moreinclusiveandrespectful dialoguethatfocusesonthesharedhumanexperienceofformingmeaningfulconnections,rather thanallowingit to becomemiredin ideologicaldivisions.RecognizingCNMasa topicthat transcendspoliticalaffiliationsemphasizestheimportanceofapproachingdiscussionsonfamily andrelationshipdiversitywithanopenmind,focusedonmutualunderstandingandrespectfor individualchoices.
16.In thefaceof contemporarysocietalchallenges,suchaswidespreadlonelinessandshrinking socialnetworks,theexplorationofconsensualnon-monogamyandotherpluralisticfamilyand 5 relationshipstructurespresentsanopportunitytorethinkandstrengthenourcommunalsupport systems.Thesediversefamilystructuresofferviablesolutionsforcreatingextendednetworksof care,empathy, andmutualsupport,essentialforindividualwell-beingandsocietalhealth.By fosteringanenvironmentwherediverserelationshipmodelsarerecognizedandvalued,wecan addressthefoundationalhumanneedforconnectionandsupport,bridginggapswithinour communities.TheembraceofCNM,therefore,isnotmerelyapersonalorisolatedphenomenon buta potentialcatalystforsocietalresilienceandcommunalwell-being,demonstratingthe strengthfoundindiversityandthepowerofinclusivesupportnetworks.
17.Oursocietyisata pivotalmoment,necessitatingathoughtfulreevaluationandadaptationofour policies,practices,andsocialnormsto reflectthe diverserealitiesof modernfamilyand relationshipstructures.Theprevailingemphasisontraditionalnuclearfamilymodelsdoesnot fullycapturethecomplexityandrichnessofhumanrelationshipstoday. Tobuildatrulyinclusive andsupportivesociety, it is criticalthatweadvocateforandimplementresearch-informed policiesthatacknowledgeandprotectthewidearrayofrelationshipdynamics,includingthose withintheCNMcommunity. Moreover, a shiftinsocialnormstowardsgreateracceptanceand understandingofrelationshipdiversityisessential.Suchtransformationswillnotonlyaffirmthe legitimacyofallrelationshiptypesbutalsocontributetoamoreempathetic,open,andcohesive society. Embracingthisbroaderperspectiveonrelationshipsencouragesa moreharmonious coexistence,whereeveryindividualfeelsseen,respected,andvalued,regardlessofhowthey choosetoformconnectionsandfamilies.
18.Recentempiricalstudieshavebegunto uncovertheparallelsin stigmaanddiscrimination experiencedbyindividualsintheconsensualnon-monogamy(CNM)andLGBTQcommunities.
Theseconvergingexperiencesencompassa rangeofsocietalchallenges,includingtheanxiety 6 andpotentialrepercussionsassociatedwithdisclosingone'srelationshiporientationorsexual identity, discriminationinlegalcontextssuchasmarriage,adoption,custody, andparentalrights, as wellasadverseimpactsonfamilialrelationshipsandtheinternalizationofsocietalstigma.
Suchstigmacanleadto significantobstaclesin accessingprofessionalsupportandsocial networks,alongsidefacingdiscriminationinhousingandtheworkplace.Furthermore,research indicatesa notableintersectionbetweentheLGBTQIA+communityandCNMpractices,witha higherpropensityforengagementin CNMamongLGBTQIA+individualscomparedtotheir heterosexualcounterparts.Specifically, approximately45%ofbisexualmenand32%ofgaymen havereportedparticipatinginCNMarrangements,incontrastto25%ofheterosexualmen.Ina similarvein,35%of bisexualwomenand21%of lesbianwomenhaveengagedin CNM, comparedto 16%of heterosexualwomen.Thesestatisticsnot onlyhighlightthe diverse expressionsof relationshipswithinthe LGBTQIA+communitybut alsoemphasizethe importanceofrecognizingandaddressingthesharedchallengesfacedbyindividualsacrossthese spectrums.Understandingtheseoverlapsis crucialfordevelopingmoreinclusive,supportive, and equitablesocialandlegalframeworksthatacknowledgeandprotectthe diversityof relationshipstructuresandidentities.
19."Minoritystress" is a criticalconceptin understandingthe uniquepressuresfacedby marginalizedgroups,definedas the heightenedstressstemmingfrom prejudiceand discrimination.Thisstressis notmerelysituationalbutpervasive,contributingto a higher prevalenceof mentalhealthissuesamongthesepopulations,suchas increasedratesof depressionandanxiety. Recentempiricalstudieshaveextendedthisframeworkto include individualsengagedinconsensualnon-monogamy, revealingthatthey, too,encounterminority stresswithsignificantimplicationsfortheirwell-being.Thisminoritystressmanifeststhrough 7 societalstigma,discrimination,andmisunderstanding,contributingto adversementalhealth outcomesamongthoseinCNMrelationships.
20.SomeindividualshavearguedthatthedecisiontoengageinaCNMrelationshipisachoiceand assuch,isnotdeservingoflegalprotection.IntheLGBTQfield,humanrightsactivistsinitially invokedtheconceptof immutability(i.e., beinginnateandunchangeable)as a methodof persuadingthe courtsthatLGBTindividualsweredeservingof legalprotection.Sexual ConfigurationsTheoryconsidersdesireforandengagementinCNMtobeaninherentpartof individuals’identityandsexualorientationjustasmuchastheirattractiontogender/sexassigned atbirthandembracingone’sengagementinCNMreflectmanyelementsofkeymodelsofsexual identity, includingstagesof confusionand synthesis.Still otherestablishedidentity psychologistsconsiderrelationshiporientationtobea separateconstructwhichcapturesinterest inandengagementinCNMandregardit asanequallyimmutableaspectofidentityseparate fromsexualorientation.Theseframeworksarenotmutuallyexclusiveandallowpsychologiststo considerCNMas botha partof sexualorientationandasa separatebutrelatedconstructof relationshiporientation.RegardlessofwhetherCNMisdeterminedtobeinnate,immutabilityis not,andshouldnot,bea prerequisiteforprotectionfromdiscrimination.Forexample,religion andmaritalstatusarebothprotectedclassesandneitheris strictlyimmutable.Inresponseto evidencethatsexualorientationmaybemorechangeablethanpreviouslythought,gayrights activistshavepersuadedmanycourtstodevelopa newunderstandingofimmutability. AsYale LawProfessorJessicaClarkewrites:“Manycourtsnowask,‘notwhethera characteristicis strictlyunchangeable,butwhetherthecharacteristicisa core traitorconditionthatonecannot orshouldnotberequiredtoabandon.’Or, asanotherjudgeputit,‘immutability’maydescribe thosetraitsthataresocentraltoaperson’sidentitythatitwouldbeabhorrentforgovernmentto 8 penalizea personforrefusingto changethem,regardlessofhoweasythatchangemightbe physically.’”Thisprincipleclearlyappliesto theCNMcommunityas theavailableresearch demonstratesthatmanyperceiveCNMasacentralaspectoftheiridentity.
21.Emergingresearchshedslightontheprofoundimpactstigmahasonindividualswithinthe consensualnon-monogamycommunity, revealinga landscapemarkedby significant discriminationand its attendantconsequences.Recentstudiesindicatethatoverhalfof individualswhoidentifywithCNMhaveencountereddiscriminationdirectlyrelatedtotheir relationshipstatusin variousspheresof life,includingin healthcaresettings,withinhousing markets,andintheworkplace.Thisdiscriminationnotonlyunderscoresthetangibleeffectsof societalstigmabutalsohighlightsthestrategiesindividualsemploytonavigatethesechallenges, withasignificantnumberreportingthattheyconcealtheirCNMstatusasaprotectivemeasure.
22.Currentresearchhighlightsa significantchallengewithinthe consensualnon-monogamy community:thereluctancetodiscloseCNMstatusduetotheanticipationofstigma,including fearofjudgmentanddiscrimination.Thisphenomenon,knownas"anticipatedstigma,"hasbeen documentedacrossvariousdomains.Thebodyofevidencesuggeststhatanticipatedstigmacan havedeleteriouseffectsonbothmentalandphysicalhealth,exacerbatingstressandcontributing toadeclineinoverallwell-being.
23.Froma clinicalperspective,theimpactofanticipatedstigmaisfurthercompoundedbyanotable gapin professionalknowledgeandtrainingregardingCNM.Despiteincreasingvisibilityand discussionof diverserelationshipstructures,it remainsuncommonfortherapistsandmental healthprofessionalsto receivespecializedtrainingonthenuancesofCNM.Thiseducational shortfallcontinuesto leadto encounterswithstigmatizingattitudesandpracticeswithin therapeuticsettings.
9 24.Theconsequencesofhidingone'sCNMstatusduetofearofstigmaareprofound.Concealment placesanaddedpsychologicalburdenonindividuals,intensifyingstressandpotentiallyleading to deteriorationsin mentalhealthandrelationshipdynamics.Thisscenariounderscoresthe criticalneed for systemicinterventionsaimedat reducingCNM-relatedstigmaand discrimination.Byenhancingtheprofessionaltrainingoftherapistsandmentalhealthclinicians regardingCNM,wecanbegintoaddressthesechallengesmoreeffectively. Sucheffortswould notonlyimprovetherapeuticoutcomesforindividualsengagedinCNMbutalsocontributetoa broadersocietalshifttowardsgreateracceptanceandunderstandingofrelationshipdiversity.
25.Thecallfor an intersectionalperspectiveon minoritystressis growinglouderwithinthe psychologicalcommunity. Suchan approachrecognizesthecomplex,overlappingidentities individualsmayhold,includingtheirrelationshipstructures,sexualorientation,genderidentity, race,andmore.Byexaminingtheexperienceofminoritystressthroughanintersectionallens, researchershavebeguntodocumentthenuancedwaysinwhichindividualsengagedinCNM navigateandareimpactedbythesesocietalpressures.Thisbodyofresearchunderscoresthe importanceofdevelopingsupportsystems,therapeuticpractices,andpoliciesthatareattunedto thespecificchallengesfacedby thosein CNMrelationships.Acknowledgingtherealityof minoritystressforindividualsinCNMarrangementsis a crucialsteptowardfosteringa more inclusive,understanding,and supportivesociety. It calls for a concertedeffort from psychologists,policymakers,andcommunitiestoaddressthestructuralandinterpersonalsources of discrimination,aimingto mitigatethenegativehealthoutcomesassociatedwithminority stress.Bydoingso,wecancontributetothewell-beingofallindividuals,regardlessofhowthey choosetoformrelationshipsandfamilies.
10 26.Incorporatinglegalmeasurestoprotectagainstdiscriminationbasedonfamilyandrelationship structurein essentialareassuchas housing,healthcare,andemploymentis anessentialstep towardaddressingsystemicbiasesfacedby thosein consensualnon-monogamyandother diversefamilyandrelationshipconfigurations.Suchlegalframeworkswouldnotonlyprovide immediatesafeguardsforindividualsexperiencingdiscriminationbutwouldalsoplaya crucial roleindrivingsocietalprogresstowardrecognizingandaffirmingthevalidityofdiversefamily andrelationshipmodels.Theestablishmentof theseprotectionswouldworkto dismantle existingdiscriminatorybarriers,contributingtothedevelopmentofamoreinclusivesocietythat valuesandrespectsthefullspectrumof healthyfamilyandrelationshipstructuresthatexist today. ImplementingtheseordinanceswouldsignificantlyadvancethenormalizationofCNMby reducingthepressureonindividualsto concealtheirrelationshipstatus,thusalleviatingthe psychologicalstressassociatedwithsuchconcealment.Byadvocatingfortheselegalprotections, we emphasizethe importanceof evidence-basedpolicymakingin promotingequityand inclusivity, ensuringthatfamilyandrelationshipdiversityisacknowledgedandprotectedwithin ourlegalandsocialframeworks.
27.In myclinicalpracticeI haveengagedwithmorethan200individualswhoareeitherinor exploringa diverserelationshipstructure.Throughthisextensiveexperience,I haveobserved firsthandthatindividualsengagedinCNMsharemanyofthesamecoreaspirationsanddesires as thosein monogamousrelationships.Myclinicalobservationsaresupportedby research conductedbymycolleaguesandme,whichindicatesthatindividualsinCNMrelationshipsseek similarfoundationalelementsintheirconnections,includingtrust,love,commitment,asenseof belongingtofamilyorcommunity, reassurance,relationalandsexualfulfillment,andeffective communication.Thesefindingsilluminatethecommonalityof humanneedsacrossdifferent 11 relationshipstructures.However, individualsin CNMrelationshipsoftennavigateadditional societalchallenges,includingthe invalidationof theirrelationshipchoicesandthestigma associatedwithnon-monogamy. Despitefacingtheseobstacles,theprimarydesireamongthe CNMcommunityisnotforspecialprivilegesbutforrecognition,acceptancewithoutjudgment, andequitableprotectionfromdiscrimination.Thisunderscorestheuniversallongingforrespect andunderstandingin howindividualschooseto formandnurturetheirrelationships.By acknowledgingthesesharedneedsandadvocatingforaninclusiveapproach,wecancontribute toamoreacceptingandsupportivesocietalframeworkforallrelationshiporientations.
Conclusions
28.Thewealthofempiricalevidencecoupledwithnuancedclinicalinsightsclearlyindicatesthat individualsengagedinconsensualnon-monogamy(CNM)facesignificantchallenges,including adversementalhealthoutcomesdirectlyattributableto stigmaanddiscrimination.Thisstark realityunderscoresanurgentneedforthedevelopmentandimplementationofcomprehensive, inclusivepoliciesaimedatsafeguardingtherightsandwell-beingoftheCNMcommunity.
29.Furthermore,in thecontextof contemporarysocietalissueslikepervasivelonelinessandthe diminishingsizeofsocialnetworks,theexplorationandacceptanceofCNMandotherdiverse familyandrelationshipstructuresemergeasa viableresponse.Thesemodelshavethepotential toreinforceourcommunalsupportsystemsbyestablishingexpansivenetworksofcare,empathy, andmutualassistance,whicharecrucialforindividualandsocietalwell-being.Recognizingand valuingavarietyofrelationshipstructuresaddressesthefundamentalhumanneedforconnection andsupport,therebybridgingcommunitygaps.Thus,supportforCNMtranscendspersonal relevance,positioningitselfasapotentialelementinsupportingsocietalresilienceandcollective 12 well-being.It highlightsthe importanceof diversityandinclusivityin cultivatingstrong, supportivenetworks.
30.AdvancinglegalprotectionsfortheCNMcommunityis animperativestepnotonlyforthe protectionofindividualrightsbutalsoasa strategyforpublichealthimprovementandsocietal advancement.Byenactingevidence-basedpoliciesthatacknowledgeandprotectthediversityof humanrelationships,wemovetowardsa moreequitableandinclusivesociety. Thesemeasures arecrucialfortheCNMcommunity'swell-beingandserveasa catalystfora broadercultural shifttowardsrecognizingandvalidatingallformsofrelationships.Indoingso,weacknowledge thecriticalrolethatdiversefamilyandrelationshipmodelsplayinmeetingtheuniversalneed forconnection,therebyfosteringamoreinterconnected,resilient,andinclusivecommunity. This approach,groundedin bipartisanship,neutrality, and scientificevidence,ensuresa comprehensiveandrespectfulconsiderationofallrelationshipstructures,promotinga healthier, moresupportivesocietyforall.
31.I amavailablefortestimonyabouttheforegoinginCityCouncilsandlegislaturesconsidering non-discriminationordinances.
32.TheseviewsaremyownandI amnotspeakingonbehalfofanyorganizationorgroupofwhich I amapart.
33.Underthepenaltiesofperjury, I declarethatI havereadtheforegoingAffidavitandthatthefacts statedinitaretrue.
DulyAffirmed:November22,2020
13 HEATHA.SCHECHINGER,PH.D.Psychologist,Educator, [email protected]://www.drheathschechinger.com/ 14