Choice and Its Limits in Older Lesbian and Gay Narratives of Relational Life

Abstract

This article draws from a British empirical study of older gay men and lesbians that explores intimate, family, and community relationships at mid- and later life. The study included a survey of 266 women and men, qualitative interviews with a subsample of 10 men and 10 women, and eight focus groups (with a total of 16 men and 14 women). The article examines how gay men and lesbians over 50 years old structure and negotiate their relational lives and the factors that limit negotiation. Chosen relationships are important to many participants (Weeks, Heaphy, & Donovan, 2001; Weston, 1991). However, focus-group and interview narratives also highlight the limits of choices with respect to relationships. The article argues the case for a situated understanding of the relational options available to older gay men and lesbians. This involves acknowledging how relational choices and their limits are shaped by access to combined economic, social, and cultural resources.

KEYWORDS:

• Economic
• social, and cultural resources
• older gay men and lesbians
• relational life

Notes

1. All data are from the ESRC funded project (Ref. R000223465), that was undertaken by Brian Heaphy, Andrew Yip, and Debbie Thompson.

2. The sample and all percentages refer to the 266 participants who took part in the survey. All quantitative data are drawn from this data set. All quotations are from the focus group and interview data.