ABSTRACT

What does it mean to grow older as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT) person? What gaps in knowledge about LGBT ageing remain? This timely and innovative book reports on a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council which aimed to address gaps in knowledge about older LGBT people and their experiences of ageing. The book discusses the project and contains chapters either specially commissioned or written by leading researchers and activists in the field.

Informed by a range of theoretical perspectives, empirical research studies, critical observations as well as lived experiences, this book explores areas of LGBT ageing that have been under-studied. These include: bisexual ageing; trans ageing and older trans people’s mental health; ethnicity, culture and religion in the lives of older LGBT people and gaps in knowledge about older LGBT people from minority ethnic communities; intergenerational networks; residential and end-of-life care; and the effects of austerity on services.

Written in an accessible style, this book is essential for researchers and policy makers interested in the lives of older LGBT people, people who work with older people and teachers and students interested in ageing, gender identity and sexuality.

chapter 1|9 pages

Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People

Minding the knowledge gaps

chapter 2|17 pages

Bisexual ageing

What do we know and why should we care?

chapter 3|17 pages

You’re not still bisexual, are you?

Bi identity, community and invisibility, moving towards and in older age

chapter 6|18 pages

Levels and layers of invisibility

Exploring the intersections of ethnicity, culture and religion in the lives of older LGBT people

chapter 7|17 pages

Gaps within gaps

Intersecting marginalisations of older Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT* people

chapter 8|7 pages

Intergenerationality and LGBT ageing

Assessing the UK evidence base and its implications for policy

chapter 9|17 pages

A complex matrix of identities

Working intergenerationally with LGBTQ people

chapter 10|16 pages

Fabled and far-off places

The preferred futures of older lesbian and gay adults in long-term care environments

chapter 11|14 pages

‘I didn’t come out to go back in the closet’

Ageing and end-of-life care for older LGBT people

chapter 12|6 pages

Not ‘just a nice thing to do’

The effects of austerity on LGBT older people

chapter 13|13 pages

(Not) putting policy into practice

LGBT* ageing research, knowledge exchange and citizenship in times of austerity

chapter 14|11 pages

Conclusion

Minding the knowledge gaps?