Exploring the Impact of Sexual Orientation on Experiences and Concerns about End of Life Care and on Bereavement for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Older People

Abstract

A B S TR AC TThis article explores how sexual orientation 1 may impact on concerns about, and experiences of, end of life care and bereavement within same-sex relationships. We draw on exploratory data from four focus groups with lesbian and gay elders (N = 15), which formed part of a larger project investigating a range of older people's concerns about end of life care. We set the findings in the context of debates about broader changes to family forms within late modernity, alongside social change and demographic shifts. Our focus on end of life care and bereavement sheds light on a series of relatively neglected issues associated with lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) ageing and, more broadly, the topics of care and support within 'non-traditional' intimate relationships and personal networks. We point to the importance of further research into the lives of older lesbians and gay men facing issues of end of life care and bereavement. K EY WO R D Sbereavement / bisexual / death / dying / end of life care / gay / lesbian / older people / relational lives Sociology

End-of-life care for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people

“…Nonetheless, some particular challenges facing GLBT people in accessing end-of-life care have been identified in prior literature, although it is recognised that international research on this topic is in its infancy (Almack, Seymour and Bellamy 2010;Smolinski and Colón 2006), and there have been no 4 prior studies on GLBT end-of-life care, outside of those related to HIV/AIDS, conducted in Australia.…”

“…Research into GLBT end-of-life care is limited, with most studies originating in North America and focusing on younger gay men's experience of HIV/AIDS (Almack, Seymour and Bellamy 2010). However, like the population generally (Seale 2004), most GLBT people's experience of end-of-life care does not relate specifically to HIV/AIDS and occurs alongside their experience of growing older and accessing health and aged care services (Almack, Seymour and Bellamy 2010).…”

“…However, like the population generally (Seale 2004), most GLBT people's experience of end-of-life care does not relate specifically to HIV/AIDS and occurs alongside their experience of growing older and accessing health and aged care services (Almack, Seymour and Bellamy 2010). Notably, GLBT people are more susceptible to certain life-threatening conditions whose prevalence increases with age.…”

Going solo: Findings from a survey of women aging without a partner and who do not have children

“…Almack, Seymour and Bellamy (2010) have also written about the importance to older lesbians and gay men of 'chosen families'; 'a mix of social and biological family links, friendships and inter-generational connections' (p.916) or which However respondents were not passive in the face of these concerns and some referred to plans made to mitigate their circumstances: In terms of wider community issues, housing was described more as a general issue than a generational or gendered one. Mixed community housing was described as a popular Many also suggested co-housing schemes as a way forward for women in similar situations to themselves showing a desire for the sense of community between solo women.…”

Involving Older Gay Men in Research: The Lure of Group Experience

“…Focus groups can encourage discussion around 'sensitive' issues, and have been used to explore end of life experiences of older LGB (Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual) people and bereavement within same sex relationships (Almack et al, 2010), and the nature of stress for lesbians and gay men (Iwasaki and Ristock, 2007). Focus groups offer the opportunity to share narratives and engage in interpretative practices through which social realities are constructed.…”