ABSTRACT
Purpose: Little is known about the life course of bisexual older adults. This study examines life events and experiences of bisexuals by generation: Pride Generation, born 1950-1964; Silenced Generation, born 1935-1949; and Invisible Generation, born 1934 or earlier, as well as by gender among women, men, and gender diverse older adults. Methods: Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study is the first national longitudinal study of LGBTQ older adults in the US. We utilize the Iridescent Life Course to examine the life events and life course experiences of bisexual older adults (N = 216) using 2014 survey data. The Iridescent Life Course frames this study for comparing generational and gender differences in five key areas: identity development; work; kin and social relationships; bias-related experiences; and physical and mental health. Findings: The Invisible Generation, the oldest generation, compared to the two younger generations, reports significant risks related to social relationships, the lowest levels of openly disclosing, and fewer bias-related experiences. They also demonstrate important signs of resilience and better mental health. Bisexual men and gender diverse older adults report higher rates of bias-related experiences and fewer social resources than bisexual women. Conclusion: Based on the Iridescent Life Course, we document important differences in the heterogeneity and intersectionality in bisexual lives, particularly for those in late life and those gender diverse. It is essential to document the distinct nature of bisexuals' life course, as it provides both historical and contemporary insights into aging and the reframing of future research.
ABSTRACT
In this article, we explore the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults in mainland China, with an emphasis on the shifting nature of the cultural context. Based on a culturally informed perspective, the intersection of LGBT stigma with cultural values (familial responsibility, filial piety, and loss of face) and larger structural changes (the aftermath of the one-child policy, economic reforms and globalization, LGBT human rights, and HIV policies) are creating dramatic shifts in Chinese society and impacting the lives of LGBT older adults. The increasing prevalence of HIV among gay and bisexual older men, although rarely acknowledged, is also contributing to challenges facing LGBT older adults and their families. These changes render LGBT older adults and those living with HIV and their caregivers at risk of economic insecurity. Resilience and resistance of LGBT older adults in China must be considered in both practice and policy to strengthen LGBT human rights globally.
