‘We’re Still Here, We’re Still Queer, We’re Still Doing It’: Sex and Sexual Health in Older LGBTQ+ Adults

Abstract

AbstractThe number of older adults who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning (LGBTQ+) is on the rise in the western world. Despite this, little is known about the sexual health and functioning of older LGBTQ+ persons. As such, it is the purpose of this chapter to summarize and thematize that research which addresses elderly sexual and gender minority persons’ experiences of sex. In general, the research on this topic can be broken down into three areas of inquiry. First, research investigates older LGBTQ+ adults’ experiences of stigmatization and discrimination with particular emphasis placed on LGBTQ+ individuals’ negative interactions with healthcare professionals. Such adverse experiences may, in turn, lead older LGBTQ+ adults to be more wary of disclosing their sexual and/or gender minority status(es) to the relevant professionals. Second, research suggests how elderly LGBTQ+ adults may be at an elevated risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or may have less information about how to deal with sexual-related issues—a potential consequence of not disclosing one’s status as an LGBTQ+ person to healthcare workers. And third, mixed findings have been presented with respect to elderly LGBTQ+ adults’ levels of sexual satisfaction. It would appear that older sexual and gender minority individuals have the potential to be either sexually satisfied or dissatisfied; however, this is largely determined by external factors like relationship satisfaction and internalized discrimination. In summary, experiences of discrimination appear to be central to older LGBTQ+ adults’ experiences of sex. Areas for future research are also provided.KeywordsOld ageSexSexualityGender diversityLGBTQ+