Abstract
The intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, healthy aging, and community resources can be framed as a human rights issue that affects the psychological well-being of people within the aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) population. Depending on the country and/or culture in which one resides, being an older adult can be celebrated or stereotyped as chronically ill, useless, or uninterested, as well as by other demeaning characteristics. Members of the LGBTQ community may have arrived at stages of older adulthood after experiencing life-long marginalization within a heteronormative environment, geographical location and/or social groups throughout their development. Thus, older LGBTQ adults can be subject to varied levels of bias and oppression which may ultimately impact their “aging well.” This paper will explore the role of marginalization on the aging-well process among older LGBTQ populations as well as underscore resilience, coping and adaptation within this rapidly expanding and diverse community.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | In H. Pereira & P. Costa (Eds.), Coming out for LGBT Psychology in the Current International Scenario |
| State | Published - 2014 |
Disciplines
- Social Work