Optimistically Engaging in the Present: Experiences of Aging Among Gay Men

SAGE Open

Eric A. Fenkl¹ 

关键词: gay;    aging;    men;    experiences;   

DOI  :  10.1177/2158244014545463

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Sage Journals

【 摘 要 】

This study explores the experiences of aging among gay men to further explain the phenomenon of gay male aging in contemporary terms, to put those experiences into a historically relevant context, and to expand upon previous findings on aging within the gay male population. Nineteen self-identifying gay men from a metropolitan area in South Florida were interviewed. The data collected were analyzed using grounded theory method. Findings from the study indicated that a great deal of optimism was revealed by the participants of the study in spite of their past adversarial experiences related to their sexuality and current challenges related to gay male sexuality and aging. Based on these findings, professionals working with an older population should consider the supportive environments that can most benefit this population in the community and even consider partnering with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) oriented organizations to better serve the needs of their clients.

【 授权许可】

CC BY