I haven't read the thread but I think a lot of people are quick to dismiss this because of the word "Partner" which is actually pretty interesting given the history of gay/lesbian couples in the USA. (Which is the localization I will be speaking on.)
The guide book is NOT made by nintendo it is an outside source. If nintendo were the ones directly writing this it may have just read "Partner" as it does in the game. The fact it is technically an OUTSIDE source they may have read partner and translated that to "business partner".
In the USA people in non heterosexual relationships were not able to get married until very recently. Straight (mostly homophobic) people in the USA found it uncomfortable to refer to a gay mans boyfriend/husband as such and instead use the term "Partner". It's very common to speak with someone about a gay couple and to see them pause for a moment and say "Their....... partner" regardless if it is a friend, celebrity, or someone walking down the street. It is also a way for non hetero couples to talk about their s/o without DIRECTLY saying they are not straight and avoid any unnecessary altercations.
CJ and Flick being called "Partners" reflects this kind of language just like how Cyrus refereed to himself as Reese's partner. Now, we know they were married prior to this but why refer to himself as a partner rather than husband or business partner? No one thought he meant "Business partner" then.
Suddenly because a lot of people are against non-heterosexual or non gender conforming identities being displayed in media "for children" (AC is for all ages!) the term "Partner" in this sense has been forced into "Business partner". BUT. That makes no sense in the context of their relationship.
Reese and Cyrus OWNED a store together. They BOTH profited from this. CJ and flick are "Roommates" and CJ helps flick out with finding commissions. They DON'T own a store together, hold events together, etc. CJ just helps Flick out with commissions. Idk about any of you but I know I would NOT consider myself to be a business partner for a friend of mine who is accepting art commissions. Their "Business" is apparently buying fish and bugs....... for no gain aside from social media presence and a love of bugs/need to have them at all. Flick is the only one with an actual business side to it.
Also note "Roommates". A lot of closeted non-hetero couples will say their s/o is their "Roommate" to avoid being harassed by family or strangers.
There are also multiple things thrown around the game that imply the existence and ACCEPTANCE of LGBT people. I.e. dialogue where a character talks about a show with two princesses who are in love, the fact Chevre has a picture of Nan (Another female goat character) above her bed, male character dialogue where they are fine playing a princess in a play, and they have ALWAYS had dialogue about being able to express yourself no matter what gender you are especially in NL. (Makeup, dresses, etc.)
The language is vague for a reason. People who want to see themselves in this game CAN. They can see these two characters being together; they're "Partners" and "Roommates". It's NOT clear because nintendo likely does not want to lose consumers. They know if they put in two characters that are too obviously gay certain people would boycott the game. I've seen people say this has RUINED the game for them. But it's not a big deal!! at all! Nintendo is trying to be inclusive to everyone and there is nothing wrong with that.
The fact that this thread exists as if it were a "Ha I told you so!" is gross.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk
