Generational and Social Forces in the Life Events and Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Midlife and Older Adults Across the Iridescent Life Course

Abstract

Objectives Utilizing Iridescent Life Course, we examine life events among three generations of lesbian and gay adults: Invisible (born 1920–1934), Silenced (born 1935–1949), and Pride (born 1950–1964) Generations. Methods: We utilized a subsample ( n = 2079) from the 2014 wave of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). Demographic characteristics, life events, and gender and generational interactions were compared. Results: Compared to other generations, the Invisible Generation disclosed their identity at older ages, were more likely to be retired, served in the military, and survived a partner’s death. Compared to the other generations, the Pride Generation was more likely to have disclosed their identities earlier and experienced higher levels of victimization/discrimination. Discussion: This paper is the first to examine the lived experiences of the oldest lesbians and gay men and compare them to other generations. The findings illustrate the heteronormative nature of most life course research.

Beyond identity and generations: bringing life course theory to studies of older gay men

“…Clearly, then, the historical era in which gay identities are formed has significant consequences for older age, and the evolution of these identities in historical context is a growing area of research. However, most gay aging researchers who consider historical context explicitly focus on generations ( Lyons et al, 2015 ; Ramirez-Valles, 2016 ; Halkitis, 2019 ; Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2023 ), with some (e.g., Hammack and Cohler, 2011 ; Hammack et al, 2019 ; Bitterman and Hess, 2021 ) problematically using the terms generation and cohort interchangeably, and most trace historical factors shaping sexual identity development (see, e.g., Hammack et al, 2018 ; Bishop et al, 2020 ) rather than such concrete later-life circumstances as income. Far fewer have used the life course perspective to consider older gay men’s concrete circumstances or to explore cumulative disadvantage in these older populations (but see, e.g., Westwood et al, 2020 ; Miller, 2023 ).…”

Exploring the relationship of cognitive function with and without COVID-19 recovered schizophrenic patients

“…Similarly, a survey claimed a monumental association between HIV/AIDS infection and increased rates of anxiety and depression ( 52 ). Therefore, while our research did not observe a substantial association between the period of COVID-19 and depression among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, it is crucial to acknowledge that viral infections can have diverse effects on mental health.…”

“I Want to Grow Older With Dignity”: Older LGBTQ+ Canadian Adults’ Perceptions and Experiences of Aging

“…LGBTQ+ adults further worry that they will be pushed back into the closet, (Cummings et al, 2021), outed (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2023), isolated (Putney et al, 2018), neglected (Averett et al, 2020), or mistreated in health care contexts (Kittle et al, 2023). Therefore, the research suggests a need for more LGBTQ+ inclusive and gender-affirming care, which includes a set of behaviors, practices, and interventions that are respectful and supportive of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations (Putney et al, 2018).…”

“…Even as their numbers worldwide continue to grow ( Fredriksen-Goldsen & De Vries, 2019 ), older lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender persons, queer individuals, and members of gender and sexually diverse minorities (LGBTQ+) remain largely invisible and under-represented in the research. The bulk of the studies have been conducted in the United States, finding that older LGBTQ+ adults are predisposed to physical and mental illnesses due to discrimination and the accumulation of disadvantage over the life course ( Dubois & Juster, 2022 ; Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2023 ). The research further indicates that systemic discrimination delimits their access to appropriate and culturally competent supports and services ( Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Consequently, older LGBTQ+ persons report feeling unsafe in health care spaces ( Putney et al, 2018 ) where they are often hesitant to disclose their gender and sexual identities for fear of potential unconscious bias and overt discrimination from health care professionals ( Burton et al, 2019 ), especially in long-term care facilities ( Caceres et al, 2020 ). Older LGBTQ+ adults further worry that they will be pushed back into the closet, ( Cummings et al, 2021 ), outed ( Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2023 ), isolated ( Putney et al, 2018 ), neglected ( Averett et al, 2020 ), or mistreated in health care contexts ( Kittle et al, 2023 ). Therefore, the research suggests a need for more LGBTQ+ inclusive and gender-affirming care, which includes a set of behaviors, practices, and interventions that are respectful and supportive of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations ( Putney et al, 2018 ).…”