LG(BT) Persons in the Second Half of Life: The Intersectional Influences of Stigma and Cohort

There is growing literature on LGBT persons in the second half of life, with a disproportionate focus on the experiences of older gay men and lesbians. Notwithstanding the need for much additional research with larger and more diverse samples, much has been learned about this unique population. A partial demographic portrait of gay men and lesbians in the second half of life is offered, along with research describing their health behaviors and conditions, concerns about aging, and social support needs and experiences. Gender and age-cohort differences are noted as are the costs and consequences of a lifetime of stigma and discrimination and the potential for further study in this and related fields.