There remains a salient need to conceptualize lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) aging as an area of study. Although the limited body of theoretical literature in this field has delineated systemic silence or invisibility as a prominent feature of marginalization among LGBTQ elders, this model does not appear to account for mechanisms of surveillance and control that often regulate sexuality and gender identity in old age. This paper represents a preliminary attempt at developing a framework of LGBTQ aging that addresses social processes in which queerness and gender variance are monitored and limited in later stages of the life course. The analysis is guided by the Foucauldian notion of neoliberal governmentality, which enables consideration of bodies of discourse and technologies of power that together drive these systemic phenomena in contemporary political and economic contexts. The paper concludes with implications of this analysis on theory and empirical inquiry in the field of LGBTQ aging.

First, my family: thank you Miami (not the city!), Mamali, and Paparesh in particular for the unconditional love you have provided me with, not only at this admittedly uncertain period of time, but also at every possible moment spanning the entirety my life. Baba'ee, I dedicate this project to you. Thank you to my extended family for the many warm wishes sent my way during my time as a graduate student. Thank you also to Sarah Taylor, whose unparalleled kindness, generosity, and sense of humour have undoubtedly helped me in my journey. Next, I would like to extend acknowledgments to members of my thesis committee. Thank you, Dr. Brian O'Neill, for mentoring me on this project and on so much more. Dr. Vaughan Marshall, I am so grateful for your belief in my skills and abilities, and for helping me discover my passion for research. Dr. Deborah O'Connor, thank you for providing me with valuable insights on this project, without which I am certain I would have not produced the same quality of work. Last, but not least, thank you, Dr. Mary Petty, for agreeing to review this project as an external examiner. Thank you to my friends and colleagues, including my wonderful MSW classmates. I am inclined, in particular, to thank Sophia Philion-Hunter here. Sophia, I am sure I would have not made it this far without your positive presence throughout my undergraduate and graduate years. I am also grateful for the support of Phil Cawdery, Peyvand Omidi, and many others, whose friendship and confidence in my work helped me maintain focus in the course of completing this project. Thank you to all staff at Health Initiative for Men (H.I.M.), Alexandra Henriques and Jennifer Breakspear at QMUNITY, and Devon MacFarlane, all of whom provided me with significant support during my many slow attempts at recruiting participants. I will be forever grateful to you. Lastly, but most importantly, thank you to the five men who shared their beautiful stories with me. Being permitted into your lives, even for brief moments in time, was truly a privilege for me.

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