Facebook doesn't have a relationship status for polyamory, but the practice definitely exists in Montana.

Birds and Bees, Missoula's sexual health collaborative, is putting on its fifth Poly Potluck Tuesday for anyone curious about or active in polyamory, which is a consensual romantic relationship among more than two adults. Birds and Bees has held one potluck every month since May.

University of Montana professor and sexologist Lindsey Doe said after seeing diverse sexual communities in San Francisco, she came back to Missoula and wanted Birds and Bees to provide space for those kinds of communities here in Montana. She said the potluck is a metaphor for poly relationships.

"Each individual or couple is bringing a dish for everyone to share," she said. "Having that sharing mentality is so key to polyamory."

Hamilton resident Dan Two Feathers regularly comes to the potluck. "I've been poly all my life and I happened to spot a posting," he said. "I've been looking for a support group and like-minded people, and it's been hard to find here."

Two Feathers said it's important to note that polyamory is different from polygamy, which is a husband having multiple wives, and from swinging, which is recreational sex.

He said polyamory is about having more than one emotional connection. "We expect one person to be the be-all and end-all for another person, and that is unrealistic," he said.

"Society tells us we can only love one person, and it's unnatural," Two Feathers said.

Doe said she'll start with an "entertaining and educating" workshop explaining poly relationships then everyone will sit down for dinner. Attendance varies, but Doe said as many as 30 people have come to the potluck in the past, and that's a small representation.

"It's much, much more than just the people who come to the meetings," she said. "If you want to know more about polyamory, it's a great place. A lot of Birds and Bees volunteers who support all diverse sexual communities come, as well, to show support."

Birds and Bees recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. The collaborative also offers yoga classes, massage and a variety of sexual health workshops.

The potluck begins Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Birds and Bees on 1515 E. Broadway. Birds and Bees is on the web at aboutsexuality.org.

kate.whittle@umontana.edu