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Abstract
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) aging adult population is increasing rapidly in the United States. The literature reveals three shortcomings regarding research into the experiences of LGBT aging adults: (1) their needs have been largely overlooked, (2) there are few large-scale quantitative studies of this population, and (3) LGBT older adults are often treated as a monolith despite the potential for significant variations between subgroups under the umbrella. The current study addresses these issues by utilizing data from a nationwide AARP 2018 survey to study a central concern of LGBT aging adults: housing. Specifically, drawing upon the conceptual framework of minority stress, we examine how the LGBT identity of older people affects how concerned they are about having to hide their identity in order to find suitable housing as they age. Findings reveal (1) significant variations in the degree of worry among segments of the aging LGBT population, and (2) ameliorating factors such as social support may decrease the degree to which they worry about hiding their identity to access housing. These results may have implications for policies and practices aimed at increasing the community resilience available to support LGBT adults as they age.
Notes
1 The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) acronym is used to remain consistent with the dataset. We recognize this is an “imperfect acronym” because it does not specifically account for the broad range of sexual and gender identities (see HRC Citation2020).
2 In this study, the terms “older” and “aging,” are used interchangeably (see Shankle et al. Citation2003) to refer to adults age 45 and over. This maintains consistency with the AARP’s methodology and terminology for the dataset, “Maintaining Dignity: Understanding and Responding to the Challenges Facing Older LGBT Americans” a survey of 1,762 LGBT adults age 45-plus.
3 An umbrella term that covers a wide range of identities, attractions, and sexual behavior that refers to anyone who does not experience monosexual desire and attraction (Sumerau Mathers, and Moon Citation2020). Some of these terms include pansexuality, omnisexuality, fluid, and multisexual.
4 AARP retains intellectual property rights on the data, and it is only available upon request.
5 We recognized that identity disclosure is complex, and phrases such as “how ‘out’ are you” do not necessarily capture the nuances of the process (see Baker Citation2012).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
B. Savage
B. Savage is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Louisiana Tech University. Her research interests include race/ethnicity, disability, social theory, and social change.
M. N. Barringer
M. N. Barringer (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of North Florida. Her research interests include sexualities, gender, religion, and applied sociology. She has utilized quantitative data to examine gender and sexual minorities’ religious identities, subjective well-being, and attitudes toward American mainline religious traditions.