ABSTRACT
Society’s acknowledgment, recognition, and treatment of queer individuals has progressed rapidly for some while lethargically for others. Marriage equality has been achieved, while other challenges such as discrimination faced by queer people of color, transgender individuals, and queer elders stubbornly endure. Recently acquired civil rights predominantly benefit early to mid-life queer individuals who are also white, able-bodied, middle- or upper middle class, and cisgender. Left behind are queer elders, many of whom experienced implicit and explicit discrimination, abuse, and injustices. Queer elders exist in an intersectional “demilitarized zone,” ostracized and isolated from their majority heterosexual cisgender, similarly aged peers, as well as the younger queer community. Systems inculcated with abuses of power, racism, and patriarchy contribute to the discrimination, oppression, and debasement of this population. As a result, queer elders struggle to claim or maintain their identity in later life. Systemically trained clinicians are offered limited training and literature to address the needs of queer elders. This chapter explores the experience of queer individuals in later life, integrating principles of intersectionality in order to understand and address the unique needs of this population. A systems theory-based treatment model is outlined to support queer elders and case vignettes demonstrate implementation of the model.
