In his insightful TEDx talk, “Polyamory Isn’t What You Think—Here’s Why,” David Hague delves into the often misunderstood world of polyamorous relationships. Drawing from over a decade of experience as a clinician, he explores how societal norms shape our understanding of love, particularly romantic love. Hague challenges the conventional notion that love must be exclusive, suggesting instead that love is abundant and can expand to encompass multiple relationships simultaneously.
He highlights the importance of open, consensual communication in fostering these relationships, emphasizing that polyamory requires ongoing dialogue about each partner’s needs and feelings. By referencing research and real-life experiences from his clients, Hague presents polyamory not as a whim but as a meaningful, legitimate relationship style that facilitates self-exploration, variety, and deeper connections.
Through this talk, Hague encourages us to rethink how we perceive love, urging recognition of the emotional labor involved in building and maintaining polyamorous relationships. This nuanced perspective invites viewers to understand love as a diverse and transformative experience, rather than a one-size-fits-all commitment.
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Author Video Description
Polyamory is an authentic way to demonstrate love and experience connection with multiple partners. In polyamory, we can express a variety of desires, develop community, and form meaningful relationships. This talk explores the benefits and challenges of polyamory and the possibilities of open relationships in our current society.
Dr. David Pascale Hague earned his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 2015. He is an assistant professor in Counseling Psychology and is the Director of the Community Mental Health Clinic in the College of Education. Dr. Hague teaches ethics, practicum, and psychopathology courses for master’s and doctoral students. He is a licensed psychologist in Kentucky, maintains a small private practice, and sits on the board of the Kentucky Psychological Foundation. Additionally, he is the current liaison for LGBTQIA issues with APA Division 31 (State, Provincial, and Territorial Associations). Dr. Pascale Hague’s clinical and research interests focus on working with sexual, relationship, and gender minority groups.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Polyamory isn’t what you think—here’s why | David Hague | TEDxUKY” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks