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Abstract
Older lesbians are, at minimum, a triple threat of marginalization due to ageism, heterosexism, and sexism. A national survey specific to this often-invisible population has not occurred in over 25 years. The present study was completed to reveal the needs, strengths, and experiences of the current cohort of older lesbians. Four hundred fifty-six older lesbians responded to an online survey on topics including sociodemographics, social activity, health, sexual identity, family relationships, romantic relationships, service/program use, mental health, end-of-life care, and discrimination. The results and implications are included as well as a comparison to the last studied cohort.
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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. Earlier versions of this study were presented at the Society for the Study of Sexuality–Western Region conference and to the Old Lesbians Organizing for Change Southern Regional Gathering.
The authors would like to thank S. Hope Ascher, MSW, former Research Assistant, for her help in the process of data collection. As well, the authors wish to thank Laurie Potter, MSW; Sue Henry, MLS; and Sharon Raphael, PhD, for piloting and providing feedback on the survey questions. This manuscript is dedicated to the women of OLOC, who provide a voice and empowerment for lesbians over the age of 60.