LGBT Couples in Later Life: A Study in Diversity

摘要: In-depth views of opportunities and constraints. While the term couple typically evokes an image a (presumably heterosexual) woman man linked together by intimate formal tie, most often marriage, examination "couplehood" among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (lgbt) population offers no such ready romantic image. In fact, to be older gay or lesbian person means one is more likely associated with being alone (Hosteder, 2004). Notwithstanding conforming evidence suggesting greater proportion single people men as compared heterosexual lesbians (de Vries, 2006), diverse manifestations representations lgbt couples exist (a diversity that may derive, in part, from legislated marriage inequalities) do on what constitutes itself (for example, not simply symbol traditional, relationships). Elaborations this form basis discussion below. It important note, revealed elsewhere issue Generations, increasing awareness varied forms adults all ages well couples. For several years ago journal, Huyck (2001) described nine types relationships later adulthood: remarriage, partnership, cohabitation, living apart (lat: wherein partners maintain separate households finances occasionally coreside), affairs, abandoned relationships, absent unrequited relationships. noted each these possibilities evident life; de Jong Gierveld (2004) further cohabitation lat are becoming common Northern Europe ages-a pattern believed replicated North America. LGBT COUPLES has become ubiquitous acronym. Its reference suggests inclusive community united sexual identity orientation. However, unity cohesiveness diis been challenged recendy, including addition even number letters lexicon: "Q" for queer another questioning; "I" intersex; "F two-spirit. These additions driven many forces, age (queer commonly endorsed younger members community-e.g., Adelman et al., appreciation social conditions, temporality process (the questioning reflects fluid experiences), increased knowledge intersex renewed complexity lives, presence genitalia neither exclusively male nor female), explicit recognition role culture (two-spirit rooted Native American Canadian First Nations' cultures reflecting third gender both masculine feminine spirit within same body). The complex acronym, lgbtqi, thus diffuse. Even basic lgbt, represents large group adults-perhaps 3 million 65 probably 4 year 2030 (Cahill, South, Spade, 2000). Not surprisingly, documentation about (including numerical estimates) evocative than definitive potentially miscalculates actual proportions: legacy stigma discrimination (leading to, reticence identify lgbt), lack appropriate standardized terminology (Miller 2007), nature sexuality Croghan, Worman, 2006) bear some responsibility precision. THE ROLE OF (SAME-SEX) MARRIAGE A central context current their legal status, clearly potent divisive same-sex United States. …