Adding grey to the rainbow

A narrative analysis of generational identity through stories and counter-stories of older gay men

Bibliographic Data

ID11201097
AuthorsKyle L Bower (0000-0001-6043-356X, University of Georgia, corresponding author), Denise C Lewis (0000-0003-0878-7912, University of Georgia), J Maria Bermúdez (0000-0002-8482-4220, University of Georgia), Anneliese A Singh (0000-0001-5606-962X, University of Georgia)
Year2021
Volume41
Issue5
Pages957-979
Publication date2021-05-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAgeing and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-686X • E-ISSN: 1469-1779
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0144686x19001429
OpenAlexW2982364472
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited37

We explored identity formation among nine gay men who were born between 1946 and 1964. This group of nine was the largest homogeneous sub-group within a larger sample (N = 18). Although participants share similar demographic characteristics, their individual social, personal and narrative identities diverge to represent distinctive embodied selves. Guided by queer and feminist theories, the qualitative analysis identified dominant and counter-narratives that demonstrate the complexity of sexual identity as it evolves over time. All nine men recall being aware of their gay identity as children; however, like many socially constructed labels, their outward identity was more complex and difficult to understand. The findings demonstrate how participants negotiated their sexual identities through decades of social change. As illustrated within each subset of identity ( i.e. social, personal and narrative), some participants found themselves breaking ground for a broader gay rights social movement, while others described their experience of being relegated to silence and invisibility for most of their lives. This research contributes to an ongoing discussion concerning the individuality found among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in later life. As the LGBT population becomes more visible, there will be a growing need to understand the individualism that exists within this coalition and affirm their diversifying sexual and gender identities

Aesthetics · Human sexuality · Identity (music) · Lesbian · Narrative · Narrative inquiry · Population · Queer · Sexual identity · Sociology · Transgender · Family Support in Illness · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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