Gay, gray, black, and blue: An examination of some of the challenges faced by older LGBTQ people of color

ABSTRACT

Few studies exist that highlight the life experiences of the older LGBTQ person of color. This cohort faces unique challenges in life that have not been explored or investigated extensively, if at all. Older LGBTQ people of color have experienced discrimination based on race, gender, and sexuality in all phases of their lives, often bearing witness to and helping to start various equal rights and social justice movements. In addition to the unique challenges that come with being a multiple minority—an LGBTQ person of color—they also have to deal with the stressors that come with normal aging. Some of the unique challenges that are faced by the older LGBTQ person of color include homophobia, racism, acculturation, the phenomenon of “going back into the closet,” poverty, housing discrimination, homelessness, and loss of sexuality and ageism, just to name a few. In this article, by getting a glimpse of these unique challenges, we give this vulnerable and marginalized group of people the much-needed attention warranted. With more research on this population, we can develop better interventions to decrease the negative mental health outcomes associated with these unique challenges. This is also a complex cohort, with some studies showing positive findings of resilience and the positive influence of spirituality and religion on the mental health outcomes of older LGBTQ people of color. A general sense of advocacy is needed in the realm of healthcare, social services, legal services, and public policy in helping to shed light on the needs of this population. Furthermore, a greater sense of urgency is needed to elucidate the experiences and challenges faced by older LGBTQ people of color in order to better care for this currently marginalized and suffering group.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ
• minority
• older

Funding

This work was supported by the American Psychiatric Association/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program.

Disclosure

The author has no conflicts to disclose.