Abstract
This paper presents data from a small study exploring the impacts of homophobia on the lives of older lesbian and gay Australians. Eleven in-depth interviews were conducted with older lesbians (6) and gay men (5) ranging in age from 65 to 79 years. The study found that participants’ sense of self was shaped by the dominant medical, legal and religious institutions of their youth that defined them as sick, immoral or criminal. Participants described enforced “cure” therapies, being imprisoned, having employment terminated and being disowned and disinherited by family. In this context, intimate relationships and social networks provided refuge where trust was rebuilt and sexuality affirmed. Many created safe spaces for themselves. This equilibrium was threatened with increasing age, disability and the reliance on health and social services. Participants feared a return to institutional control and a need to “straighten up” or hide their sexuality. In response, partners stepped into the role of caregiver, at times beyond their capacity and at a cost to their relationship. The study describes the importance of understanding social connections in the lives of older lesbians and gay men. It highlights the need for inclusive services to ensure that social networks are supported and that health and well-being are promoted.
Highlights
Many older lesbians and gay men have lived through a time when their only protection against heterosexist violence and discrimination was to make themselves invisible, to publicly deny their sexual orientation and pass as heterosexuals (Barrett, 2008)
This paper presents data from a small study exploring the impacts of homophobia on the lives of older lesbian and gay Australians
Prior to the gay liberation movement, the experience of coming out or disclosing their sexual orientation had a detrimental impact on their sense of self, relationships and social connections
Summary
Many older lesbians and gay men have lived through a time when their only protection against heterosexist violence and discrimination was to make themselves invisible, to publicly deny their sexual orientation and pass as heterosexuals (Barrett, 2008). The social isolation this creates further diminishes their health and well-being (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2011) Despite these disparities, older lesbians and gay men are less likely to access services they feel are needed, because they fear discrimination (Guasp, 2011). They are more likely to be reliant on partners and friends for support as they age (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2011), which is attributable in part to the fact that they are less likely to have children and less likely to have regular contact with their biological families (Guasp, 2011) To address these disparities, service providers must understand the historical experiences and needs of older lesbians and gay men (Barrett, Turner, & Leonard, 2013). The study documented the effects of discrimination on relationships and social connections and highlighted the need for improved services and further research
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