Routine Activities and Perceived Homophobia Among Older Lesbians

Abstract

Research on experiences of perceived homophobia among the older lesbian population has been limited. Using data from a national, online survey of 456 lesbians over the age of 51, the authors explore the correlates of perceived homophobia using a routine activities approach. Potential correlates explored include both risk and protective factors experienced in the daily lives of the women surveyed. The findings indicate that risk and protective factors affect personal and systemic homophobia differently. Risk factors such as being “out” to family were related to all forms of homophobia, while protective factors seem to impact systemic and personal homophobia differently. Findings suggest a need for further research examining potential protective factors for older lesbians.