Generational and Social Forces in the Life Events and Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Midlife and Older Adults Across the Iridescent Life Course

Objectives Utilizing Iridescent Life Course, we examine life events among three generations of lesbian and gay adults: Invisible (born 1920–1934), Silenced (born 1935–1949), and Pride (born 1950–1964) Generations. Methods: We utilized a subsample (n = 2079) from the 2014 wave of Aging with Pride: Na...

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Published in:Journal of aging and health 2023-03, Vol.35 (3-4), p.265-281
Main Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen, Karen, Hoy-Ellis, Charles, Kim, Hyun-Jun, Jung, Hailey H., Emlet, Charles A., Johnson, Ian, Goldsen, Jayn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging
Female
Homosexuality, Female
Humans
Life Change Events
Male
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Sexual Behavior
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Summary:Objectives Utilizing Iridescent Life Course, we examine life events among three generations of lesbian and gay adults: Invisible (born 1920–1934), Silenced (born 1935–1949), and Pride (born 1950–1964) Generations. Methods: We utilized a subsample (n = 2079) from the 2014 wave of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). Demographic characteristics, life events, and gender and generational interactions were compared. Results: Compared to other generations, the Invisible Generation disclosed their identity at older ages, were more likely to be retired, served in the military, and survived a partner’s death. Compared to the other generations, the Pride Generation was more likely to have disclosed their identities earlier and experienced higher levels of victimization/discrimination. Discussion: This paper is the first to examine the lived experiences of the oldest lesbians and gay men and compare them to other generations. The findings illustrate the heteronormative nature of most life course research.
ISSN:0898-2643
1552-6887
DOI:10.1177/08982643221125517