Bisexuality: An invisible community among LGBT elders

Abstract

This chapter discusses issues relevant to bisexual elders, including invisibility, homophobia and biphobia, lack of understanding, and a scarcity of research and resources. Bisexual elders face the same issues as all elders, such as the need for financial planning, health care, assisted living, estate planning, and more, not to mention isolation, feelings of loss, depression, and ageism. Bisexual elders also face the additional issues that lesbian and gay elders must navigate such as invisibility, coming out, and marginalization and discrimination due to homophobia. In addition, bisexual elders also face issues that are either amplified–such as a lack of supportive social networks–or uniquely theirs–such as biphobia and a lack of bi-specific research, support, and services. As a consequence, it is critical for people who offer services to elders to avoid judgment and assumptions.