A Profile of Rural African American Lesbian Elders: Meeting Their Needs

Abstract

Elderly African American lesbians in rural society represent diversity across numerous demographic characteristic and social positions that require specific responses to their needs. The population must address issues related to age, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. In this chapter a transdisciplinary examination of issues relevant to this population is examined. In order to do so, a profile of elderly African American lesbians is presented. Additional information is presented on the concepts of feminism and womanism, the construct of positive marginality, characteristics of rural society and how African American women and lesbians exist in such a context, cultural homophobia in the black community, and racism in the white gay community. Psychosocial adjustment considers the intersection of sexual orientation, age, and race statuses. Finally, healthcare, education, and public policy issues are examined with respect to elder African American lesbians.