Resilience in older gay men and lesbians
Description
Older gay men and lesbians are often viewed as having multiple stressors and challenges. Social work literature and social work text books have tended to emphasize pathologies among this group. In fact, the preponderance of scientific research reveals that older gay men and lesbians enjoy a high quality of life, despite having experienced persecution, oppression, and rejection from their families and society. The purpose of this strengths-based study was to examine how these individuals are able to develop resilience in light of their cultural environment This study sampled five gay men and five lesbians who were white, middle-class, professionals, sixty years old and older, and native to or long-term residents of rural Mississippi. They were interviewed in their own homes or the location of their choosing using a semi-structured questionnaire. Responses were audio-taped and transcribed The transcripts were analyzed using phenomenological methodology and NVivo 2.5 software. The study resulted in the identification of resilient traits utilized by gay men and lesbians to survive and thrive in spite of their heterosexist environments. Participants described supportive attachments, an internal locus of control, and the benefits of existential aloneness as mechanisms by which they have avoided depression and achieved a high degree of life satisfaction. Using Friend's (1992) constructivist theory as a framework, this study examines how the study participants are able to reject heterosexist messages, develop positive self-images and become empowered