Partners in Aging: Relationship Stability and Commitment as a Moderator Between Internalized Homophobia and Subjective Aging Among Midlife and Older Gay Men

This study examines how internalized homophobia is associated with subjective views of aging among midlife and older gay men, and whether the stability and commitment of a romantic partnership buffer these associations. Data were collected in Israel through an anonymous online survey of 129 self-identified gay men aged 50–85. Measures included internalized homophobia, partner stability and commitment, self-perceptions of aging, and subjective age, with sociodemographic and health covariates. The results indicated that neither internalized homophobia nor relationship stability alone were related to subjective views of aging. However, significant interaction effects emerged: among gay men in less stable or committed relationships, higher internalized homophobia was associated with more negative subjective views of aging and with an older felt age. These associations were absent or reversed among men in more stable and committed partnerships. Our findings underscore the importance of stable, affirming intimate relationships for aging well among gay men. Men in unstable relationships may be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of internalized homophobia. Relationship-affirming clinical and policy approaches may support healthier aging in this population.