Intersectional epistemic tensions associated with building knowledge with LGBTQ+ older adults of color

Abstract

In gerontological research, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) older adults of color are a hard-to-reach and underrepresented population. In this paper, we reflected upon the process of designing and implementing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) study by and for LGBTQ+ older adults of color committed to intersectionality. Data generted from fieldnotes and focus groups with five older Black lesbians were analyzed to uncover epistemic tensions associated with building intersectional knowledge for social justice. Study findings addressed the fraught nature of scientific knowledge production influenced by inequitable power structures and historically extractive research practices. Specifically, how cultural, political, and intergenerational tensions as well as the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the research process and were instrumental in learning about culturally responsive research. Putting PAR in dialogue with intersectionality opened an expansive paradigm that addressed the limitations of gerontological research. We end with implications for culturally responsive research with marginalized populations in aging studies, such as older LGBTQ+ adults of color.