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The Intersection of Identities of LGBT Elders: Race, Age, Sexuality, and Care Network

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Handbook of LGBT Elders

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the complexity of human identity by considering the multifaceted and intertwined relationships between sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age, as well as other aspects of one’s social and personal identity. To assist in illuminating our understanding of these relationships, the structural, political, and social factors that contribute to social inequality experienced by LGBT elders situated at the multidimensional intersections of different races, ethnicities, socioeconomic status (SES), sexes, and sexualities are explored. By simultaneously considering the multiplicity and fluidity of identity and exposing the diversity of experiences of LGBT elders, we are able to underscore some of the many reasons for extant research involving sexual minorities which must be carefully and critically evaluated.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA

    Melanie D. Otis & Debra A. Harley

Authors
  1. Melanie D. Otis
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  2. Debra A. Harley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Melanie D. Otis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    Debra A. Harley

  2. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    Pamela B. Teaster

Appendices

Learning Activities

Self-Check Questions

  1. 1.

    Why is it important to understand why and how people are more than the sum of their parts?

  2. 2.

    What are some of the limitations of research on the LGBT population related to identity intersectionality within this population?

  3. 3.

    What are the fundamental assumptions used by social scientists to guide the study of identities?

  4. 4.

    What types of intersectionalities should be addressed when working with LGBT elders? Why are these important?

  5. 5.

    What are presenting problems between formal and informal care networks when working with LGBT elders?

Experiential Exercises

  1. 1.

    Develop a survey to determine how LGBT elders view their identities. Potential question can include how they define their identity (one vs. multiple), how they rank their identities, how elements of their identity fit with the majority or dominant group, and so forth.

  2. 2.

    “Walk a mile in an LGBT person’s shoes”—(a) imagine yourself as an LGBT older person, (b) think of issues that you will have address because of your intersection of identities (e.g., what are the cultural concerns, what are the communication concerns), and (c) what types of strategies do you recommend to address these concerns.

  3. 3.

    As a human service provider, develop a protocol for your work setting that is inclusive of LGBT elders, keeping in mind that their multiple identities must be addressed.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. 1.

    An individual who is a lesbian, Latino, and age 70 is considered to be which of the following?

    1. (a)

      A triad member

    2. (b)

      Risk of triple jeopardy

    3. (c)

      Nexus of sexual orientation

    4. (d)

      Decreased risk of discrimination

  2. 2.

    Which of the following refers to the movement through various activities, interactions, and cognitive processes over the course of time in which different aspects of one’s identity may be more or less salient?

    1. (a)

      Single identities

    2. (b)

      Compounded identities

    3. (c)

      Fluidity of identity

    4. (d)

      Particular identity

  3. 3.

    Which of the following is attributed to differences in mental, physical, and economic well-being due to  shouldering the weight of oppression disproportionately?

    1. (a)

      Multiple stigmatized identities

    2. (b)

      Residence in certain regions of the country

    3. (c)

      Type of employment

    4. (d)

      Multiple personality disorders

  4. 4.

    Which of the following is at the heart of feminist intersectionality theory?

    1. (a)

      Isms can be understood in separate parts

    2. (b)

      Isms must be understood as the result of complex intersection of different identities

    3. (c)

      Isms can be viewed in isolation

    4. (d)

      Isms can best be understood as additive to other identities

  5. 5.

    Which of the following is particularly important for human service providers to understand in working with older sexual minorities?

    1. (a)

      The centrality of families of choice

    2. (b)

      Greater likelihood that KGBT elders may be less likely to have a traditional family network

    3. (c)

      LGBT elders are likely to be single and often isolated

    4. (d)

      All of the above

    5. (e)

      None of the above

  6. 6.

    Which of the following is an accurate description of identity?

    1. (a)

      Identities are innate qualities

    2. (b)

      Identities are socially constructed

    3. (c)

      Identities are fixed and static

    4. (d)

      Identities are unidimensional

  7. 7.

    Which of the following is a good strategy for human service providers working with LGBT elders?

    1. (a)

      It is important to share their identity with other service providers

    2. (b)

      Exclude LGBT—specific language in agency brochures and materials as not to embarrass them

    3. (c)

      Do not assume heterosexuality or gender identity when a client is married or have children or grandchildren

    4. (d)

      Avoid using categories other than male or female sex or gender question to protect client confidentiality

  8. 8.

    Who is credited with construction of the concept of families of choice?

    1. (a)

      Albert Ellison

    2. (b)

      Vivian Cass

    3. (c)

      Sigmund Freud

    4. (d)

      Kath Weston

  9. 9.

    Which of the following is an organizing tool for understanding how human beings create and maintain a sense of self?

    1. (a)

      Identity

    2. (b)

      Personality

    3. (c)

      Family of origin

    4. (d)

      Family of choice

  10. 10.

    Which of the following best describe human service agencies preparedness to work with LGBT Elders?

    1. (a)

      Highly qualified

    2. (b)

      Inadequately qualified

    3. (c)

      Interdisciplinary trained

    4. (d)

      Culturally competent

Key

  • 1-B

  • 2-C

  • 3-A

  • 4-B

  • 5-D

  • 6-B

  • 7-C

  • 8-D

  • 9-A

  • 10-B

Resources

  • Center for Intersectionality & Social Policy Studies: www.intersectionality-center.org.

  • Lee, D., & Noble, M. (2014). “Addressing whole identities or fragmented lives” An introductory service provision and employer guide to multiple identities and discrimination in Northern Ireland. www.rainbow-project.org/assets/publications/addressingwholeidentitiesorfragmentedlives.pdf.

  • Nettles, R., & Balter, R. (eds.). (2012). Multiple minority identities: Applications for practice, research, and training. New York, NY: Springer.

  • Vakalahi, H. F. O., Simpson, G. M., & Giunta, N. (Eds.). (2014). The collective spirit of aging across cultures. New York, NY: Springer.

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Otis, M.D., Harley, D.A. (2016). The Intersection of Identities of LGBT Elders: Race, Age, Sexuality, and Care Network. In: Harley, D., Teaster, P. (eds) Handbook of LGBT Elders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03623-6_5

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