Mapping the Barriers of Older LGBTQ+ Asian Americans: Applying Intersectionality to Deconstruct Relationships Among Ageism, Heterosexism, and Racism

Abstract

Despite recent traction on LGBTQ+ older adults of Color in research, older LGBTQ+ Asian American communities are rendered invisible in population metrics, larger healthcare studies, and initiatives dedicated to LGBTQ+ communities. Given intersectionality’s premise on structural forces of oppression, this conceptual article outlines three main goals: (a) an overview of conceptual and empirical research involving LGBTQ+ older adults of Color and gerontology; (b) core tenets of intersectionality theory; (c) applications of intersectionality to address counseling practices with older LGBTQ+ Asian American communities; and (d) future directions for research to elevate the platform of advocacy for older LGBTQ+ Asian Americans.

Keywords:

• Asian American
• ageism
• gerontology
• intersectionality
• older adult

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).