1
|
Miller LR. Queer Aging: Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults' Visions of Late Life. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad021. [PMID: 37063703 PMCID: PMC10101047 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Diversity in aging has received increased attention in recent years in the field of gerontology. However, older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people have largely been missing from these conversations. In this study, I examine older LGB people's subjective views on the aging process, focusing specifically on visions of late life. Research Design and Methods Life story interviews were conducted with 60 LGB individuals over the age of 55 who reside in the Southeastern and Midwestern portions of the United States. Inductive coding (e.g., line-by-line, focused) and analyses were conducted. Results Four major themes emerged from the data: (1) financial distress linked to past events of homophobic discrimination, (2) anxieties regarding staying in paid care settings, (3) desires to age in place or "in community" with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and (4) a prioritization of quality of life over longevity via plans to pursue assisted suicide. Discussion and Implications The findings of this study suggest that views of aging and visions of late life are tied to social group membership, highlighting the need for gerontologists to further consider cumulative inequality processes. The study also offers evidence of queer aging, wherein queer culture, history, and experience produce distinct meanings of aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Miller
- Department of Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suen YT. Ageing non-heterosexual migrants: Towards global sexual citizenship. J Aging Stud 2022; 60:100980. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2021.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
3
|
Miller B. A Picture is Worth 1000 Messages: Investigating Face and Body Photos on Mobile Dating Apps for Men Who Have Sex with Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2020; 67:1798-1822. [PMID: 31075052 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1610630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the way men visually self-present on MSM-specific mobile dating app profiles, as well as the connection between visual self-presentation strategies, demographic variables, and psychosocial attitudes about masculinity and the body. In particular, emphasis was placed on two aspects of men's visual self-presentation: face-disclosure and body-disclosure. Using a selective self-presentation framework, findings indicated that the majority of men presented their face in their profile photo and that nearly one in five presented their unclothed torso. Face-disclosure was connected to higher levels of app usage, longer-term app usage, and levels of outness. The use of shirtless photos was related to age, a higher drive for muscularity, more self-perceived masculinity, and stronger anti-effeminacy attitudes. The findings are discussed in relation to both strategic self-presentation, and the distinct meanings of face and body photos within MSM online culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Miller
- Communication Department, University of Massachusetts Boston , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
The past few decades have seen increased scholarly attention to gay and lesbian individuals' aging experiences; however, few studies examine differences in subjective aging by sexual minority status. We identify four perspectives on the association between sexual minority status and subjective aging-double jeopardy, crisis competence, gender interactive, and limited salience perspectives. We examine each perspective's predictions using data from the first wave of Midlife in the United States (1995-1996; MIDUS). Ordinary least square regression models reveal strongest support for the limited salience perspective, suggesting that sexual minority status has weaker effects on subjective aging than do other social factors, such as age, health, and gender. However, some results provide support for the gender interactive perspective, positing that the effect of sexual minority status on subjective aging varies by gender. Our study provides an organizational framework of theoretical perspectives that can guide further examinations of variation in aging experiences by sexual minority status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Barrett
- 1 Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy and Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Harry Barbee
- 2 Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Closson K, Lachowsky NJ, Cui Z, Shurgold S, Sereda P, Rich A, Moore DM, Roth EA, Hogg RS. Does age matter? Sexual event-level analysis of age-disparate sexual partners among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Vancouver, Canada. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 93:332-341. [PMID: 27852641 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine factors associated with age-disparate sexual partners among Vancouver gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). METHODS Sexually active GBM aged ≥16 years were recruited from February 2012 to February 2014. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on demographics, attitudes and sexual behaviour and substance use at last sexual event with five most recent partners. Two generalised linear mixed models identified factors associated with: (1) 'same-age' (referent), 'younger' or 'much-younger' and (2) 'same-age' (referent), 'older' or 'much-older' partners. Statistical interactions between age and HIV status were tested. RESULTS Participants (n=719) were predominantly gay (85.1%), White (75.0%), HIV-negative/unknown status (72.9%) with median age of 33 years (Q1,Q3: 26,47). A minority of sexual events were reported with much-older/much-younger partners (13.7%). In the multivariable models, GBM reporting older partners were more likely to be Asian or Latino, have greater Escape Motivation scores, report their partner used erectile dysfunction drugs (EDDs) and have received something for sex; compared with condom-protected insertive anal sex, participants with older partners were more likely to report condomless insertive anal sex with a serodiscordant or unknown status partner or no insertive anal sex. GBM reporting older partners were less likely to be bisexual-identified, have given something for sex and report event-level alcohol and EDD use. GBM reporting younger partners were more likely to have annual incomes >$30 000 and have met their partner online. As per significant statistical interactions, age-disparate relations were more common for younger HIV-positive and older HIV-negative GBM. CONCLUSIONS Differences among age-disparate partners highlight important targets for health promotion and future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Closson
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - N J Lachowsky
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Addictions Research British Columbia, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Z Cui
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - S Shurgold
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - P Sereda
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - A Rich
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - D M Moore
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - E A Roth
- Centre for Addictions Research British Columbia, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R S Hogg
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Suen YT. Older Single Gay Men's Body Talk: Resisting and Rigidifying the Aging Discourse in the Gay Community. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2016; 64:397-414. [PMID: 27192609 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2016.1191233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous research saw older gay men as subject to structural marginalization of ageism but yet possessing agency to interpret aging in diverse ways. I move beyond this duality, drawing on the theory of defensive othering to understand how older gay men live with the aging discourse in the gay community. Informed by grounded theory, I analyzed interviews with 25 self-identified single gay men aged 50 or above in England inductively. It emerged that many older gay men found it difficult to escape the discourse that marginalizes the aging body. Even when they argued they were the exception and "looked good," they were discursively producing a two-tier system: they themselves as the "good older gay men," as opposed to the other "bad older gay men," who "had given up." Such a defensive othering tactic seemingly allowed them to resist age norms from applying to them personally, but unintentionally reinforced an ageist discourse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiu Tung Suen
- a Gender Studies Programme , Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fales MR, Frederick DA, Garcia JR, Gildersleeve KA, Haselton MG, Fisher HE. Mating markets and bargaining hands: Mate preferences for attractiveness and resources in two national U.S. studies. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
8
|
Mackaronis JE, Strassberg DS, Cundiff JM, Cann DJ. Beholder and Beheld: A Multilevel Model of Perceived Sexual Appeal. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:2237-2248. [PMID: 25822474 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
When individuals (observers) assess how appealing they find sexual stimuli (targets), which factors matter and to whom? The present study examined how observer and target characteristics interact and impact perceived sexual appeal. Participants were 302 men (206 heterosexual, 96 gay) and 289 women (196 heterosexual, 93 lesbian) between the ages of 18 and 67 years, who viewed 34 photographs of targets of their preferred gender and rated each target for sexual appeal, masculinity-femininity, and estimated age. Participants also rated their own masculinity-femininity. A baseline model indicated that roughly 30 % of the variance in sexual appeal ratings was at the observer level (between observers) and 70 % of the variance was at the target level (within observers). In the final model, five characteristics of the participant observers (gender, sexual orientation, age, race/ethnicity, and self-described masculinity-femininity) and six characteristics of the target photographs (gender, whether the photographs were taken from heterosexual versus gay/lesbian media, race/ethnicity, perceived masculinity-femininity, and estimated age) were independently and interactively related to observer ratings of target sexual appeal. Observers displayed preferences for similar targets in terms of race/ethnicity and masculinity-femininity, while also displaying a general preference for target youth. Variation in the strength of these preferences occurred according to observers' own gender, race/ethnicity, masculinity-femininity, and sexual orientation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Mackaronis
- Mental Health Service (S-116), VA Puget Sound Health Care System-Seattle Division, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108-1597, USA.
| | | | - Jeanne M Cundiff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Deanna J Cann
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Goedel WC, Duncan DT. Geosocial-Networking App Usage Patterns of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Survey Among Users of Grindr, A Mobile Dating App. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2015; 1:e4. [PMID: 27227127 PMCID: PMC4869243 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.4353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Geosocial-networking apps like Grindr have been used increasingly among men who have sex with men (MSM) to meet anonymous partners. These mobile dating apps employ global positioning system technology to facilitate connections with other users based on their current location. These new technologies have generated quicker and easier modes for men who have sex with men to meet potential partners based on attraction and physical proximity. Objective The aim of this study is to describe geosocial-networking app use and recent sexual behaviors of MSM in the Atlanta metropolitan statistical area. Methods Our sample was recruited from Grindr, the most commonly used of these mobile apps among MSM, using broadcast advertising. Advertisements were displayed over the course of a 72-hour period and participants were directed to a Web-based survey. Results In total, 604 men clicked through the advertisement, and 92 users completed the survey. One-third (38.0%) of the men reported using these mobile apps to meet new sexual partners, and one-fifth (18.5%) used them to “kill time” when bored. Men reporting currently being in a relationship were less likely to report using these mobile apps to meet other MSM to date or to find a boyfriend or romantic partner, but more likely to report using these mobile apps to meet other MSM to have sex, X224=12.1, P=.016. Respondents had current accounts on 3.11 mobile apps (SD 1.84) on average, with Grindr being the most common (100%), followed by Scruff (52.5%), and Jack’d (45.7%). Most men were most active in the late night (40.2%), and on weekdays (64.1%). Each day, on average, men reported opening these mobile apps 8.38 times (SD 8.10) and spent 1.31 hours (SD 1.15) on these mobile apps. The age respondents began using these mobile apps was associated with the age at their first instance of insertive anal sex (r80=.527, P<.001) and receptive anal sex (r76=.527, P<.001). Conclusions These findings suggest that MSM use multiple mobile apps and spend significant time on them. For these reasons, HIV prevention interventions could be delivered on these mobile apps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William C Goedel
- School of MedicineDepartment of Population HealthNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States.,Global Institute of Public HealthNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States.,College of Arts and ScienceDepartment of SociologyNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- School of MedicineDepartment of Population HealthNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States.,Global Institute of Public HealthNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States.,Center for Drug Use and HIV ResearchCollege of NursingNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States.,Population CenterNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States.,Center for Data ScienceNew York UniversityNew York, NYUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jankowski GS, Fawkner H, Slater A, Tiggemann M. "Appearance potent"? A content analysis of UK gay and straight men's magazines. Body Image 2014; 11:474-81. [PMID: 25129685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
With little actual appraisal, a more 'appearance potent' (i.e., a reverence for appearance ideals) subculture has been used to explain gay men's greater body dissatisfaction in comparison to straight men's. This study sought to assess the respective appearance potency of each subculture by a content analysis of 32 issues of the most read gay (Attitude, Gay Times) and straight men's magazines (Men's Health, FHM) in the UK. Images of men and women were coded for their physical characteristics, objectification and nudity, as were the number of appearance adverts and articles. The gay men's magazines featured more images of men that were appearance ideal, nude and sexualized than the straight men's magazines. The converse was true for the images of women and appearance adverts. Although more research is needed to understand the effect of this content on the viewer, the findings are consistent with a more appearance potent gay male subculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glen S Jankowski
- Department of Psychology, Leeds Metropolitan University, Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 3HE, United Kingdom.
| | - Helen Fawkner
- Department of Psychology, Leeds Metropolitan University, Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 3HE, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Slater
- School of Psychology, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marika Tiggemann
- School of Psychology, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Felson RB, Cundiff PR. Sexual assault as a crime against young people. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2014; 43:273-284. [PMID: 23720138 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Evidence based on almost 300,000 sexual assaults from the National Incident-Based Reporting System showed that the modal age of victims was 15 years, regardless of the age of the offender, the gender of the offender, or the gender of the victim. We suggest that adolescents have the highest risk of victimization because of their sexual attractiveness, vulnerability, and exposure to motivated offenders. As a result of these factors, sexual assault is as much an offense against young people as it is against women. The sexual attractiveness of young people also has implications for the age of offenders. Older men have much higher rates of offending than one would expect, given the age-desistance relationship. Thus, we found that older men have much higher rates of sexual assault than physical assault. Finally, evidence suggested that homosexual men were at least as likely as heterosexual men to commit sexual assault. The pattern suggests that the tendency for sexual assaults to involve male offenders and female victims reflects male sexuality rather than attitudes toward women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Felson
- Department of Sociology and Crime, Law, and Justice, Pennsylvania State University, 211 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA, 16803, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Prestage G, Jin F, Bavinton B, Scott SA, Hurley M. Do differences in age between sexual partners affect sexual risk behaviour among Australian gay and bisexual men? Sex Transm Infect 2013; 89:653-8. [PMID: 23843453 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2012-050947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the relationships between HIV-negative Australian gay men's sexual behaviour and differences in age between them and their sex partners. DESIGN Anonymous computer-assisted internet survey was administered. METHODS We used multinomial logistic regression to examine factors associated with reported differences in partners' age (10 years older, within 10 years and 10 years younger) among 1476 men. RESULTS Two-thirds of the men reported their most recent casual sex partners were within 10 years of age to themselves, as were 79.3% of their regular partners. Neither men's own age nor relative differences in age with their partners was associated with the likelihood to engage in unprotected anal intercourse. Among men who reported sex with a regular partner, those with older partners tended to restrict themselves to the receptive position (adjusted ORs (AOR)=2.00; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.92; p=0.044). Among men who reported sex with a casual partner, those with younger partners tended to take the insertive position, both on occasions when a condom was used (AOR=2.42; 95% CI 1.39 to 4.20; p=0.002) and on occasions when a condom was not used (AOR=2.54; 95% CI 1.04 to 6.20; p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS Age differences between gay men and their sex partners make little difference to the likelihood of engaging in sexual risk behaviour overall with either regular or casual partners. Those whose partners are substantially older than themselves are more likely, however, to take the receptive position during anal intercourse. Where risk of HIV infection among younger men is elevated this could be due to differences in sexual position, rather than differences in unprotected anal intercourse per se, during sex with men who are substantially older than themselves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Prestage
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, , Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Reynolds R. Thirtyyears after Harrison and Saeed: Does the medium make the message? COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2010.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
14
|
Lever J, Grov C, Royce T, Gillespie BJ. Searching for Love in all the "Write" Places: Exploring Internet Personals Use by Sexual Orientation, Gender, and Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2008; 20:233-246. [PMID: 20502618 PMCID: PMC2874906 DOI: 10.1080/19317610802411532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Few researchers of Internet sexual exploration have systematically compared variance of use across sexual orientations, with even fewer surveying bisexual respondents. In 2004, 15,246 individuals responded to an online survey of their use of Internet personals and adult websites. Gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals (GLBs) were more likely than heterosexuals to have exchanged correspondence, met others offline, and had sex with someone they met through personal ads. Whereas gay men and lesbians of all ages were most likely to have established a long-term relationship as a result of personals, heterosexuals over age 40 were more likely to have established a long-term relationship than younger heterosexuals. Further, compared to men, women were approximately two times as likely to have established a serious relationship as a result of personals. Qualitative findings suggest that the Internet functions not only as a means of screening for desired characteristics, but also as a shield against prejudice in real life encounters. GLBs and heterosexuals alike used online venues as a means of sexual identity development, sexual exploration, and community building.
Collapse
|
15
|
Phua VC. Contesting and Maintaining Hegemonic Masculinities: Gay Asian American Men in Mate Selection. SEX ROLES 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-007-9318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
16
|
|