Internalized Ageism And Homophobia A Toxic Mixture For Older Gay Men
Older gay men face greater stress about aging than their heterosexual peers, a new report revealed.
A study published Social Science and Medicine tracked 312 gay men since 1984—with an average age of 61, 61% remained HIV negative throughout the run of the study.
The subjects were asked if they agreed that "aging is especially hard for me because I am a gay man," and "as I get older, I feel more invisible when I am with other gay men."
Researchers believe the overvaluing of youth in the gay male community combined with internalized homophobia creates a toxic 'internalized gay ageism,' with a strong link to depression.
The study does warn that taking the results may not apply widely, but it's not hard to see how being part of a culture that values good looks, hard bodies and vitality may put emotional stress on men as they age out of a desirable demographic.
One piece of good news from the study: IGA can be countered by "mattering," or the degree to which people feel like they're important to the world around them.
Mattering can come from a belief that they have a place within the community, perhaps from work with various organizations, or from cross-generational friendships with younger gay men.
"People with a high sense of mattering feel that others think about them, seek their advice, or care about what happens to them," explains lead researcher Richard G. Wight.
The Stonewall generation gave so much for our community to be where we are today. As the study notes, "these men have traversed unparalleled, personally relevant historical changes across their adult lives and have paved the way for younger generations of sexual minorities to live in a time of less institutionalized discrimination."
It's a disgrace that they should feel unvalued and invisible, especially in their own community.
h/t: Slate
