Older Lesbian Sexuality: Identity, Sexual Behavior, and the Impact of Aging

Abstract

In response to the very limited and mostly outdated literature on older lesbian sexuality, this exploratory study examined older lesbian sexual identity, romantic relationships, the impact of aging, and experiences of discrimination within these contexts. Utilizing an online survey that recruited via numerous online lesbian communities and snowball sampling, 456 lesbians over the age of 50 responded to closed, Likert scale, and open-ended questions that provided a preliminary understanding of older lesbian sexuality. The results indicated that older lesbians have experienced fluidity in past romantic and sexual relationships, as well as in erotic fantasies, despite strong identification with being lesbian. The findings also indicate a decreased focus on sexuality in the context of relationships, with more focus on stability and continuity. Future research is needed that provides greater specificity and detail about older lesbian conceptions of sexual behavior and sexual identity labels, as well as specific sexual behaviors.

Acknowledgments

Paige Averett's work on this study was funded and supported by East Carolina University, Division of Research and Graduate Studies research start-up funds. We thank Sharon Raphael, PhD, for the wisdom and reflection she offered throughout the process of the research and particularly this manuscript.

Notes

^a M = 63.06 years (SD = 6.16).

^b Average duration = 12.50 years (SD = 9.04).

Note. Due to roundups of decimal points, sums of all percentages may not be equal to 100%.