Attitudes of heterosexual assisted living residents toward gay and lesbian peers
Date
2012
Authors
Donaldson, Weston, author
Vacha-Haase, Tammi, advisor
Banning, James, committee member
Lehmiller, Justin, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Sexual minorities in post-retirement care facilities fear discrimination and suboptimal care due to homophobia and heteronormative policies. This qualitative study explored the attitudes of 13 heterosexual assisted facility residents toward gay and lesbian peers in their facility. Although most participants reported that they were comfortable talking about homosexuality, the feelings, beliefs, and behaviors toward gay and lesbian residents that they described ranged from favorable, to ambivalent, to unfavorable. Results seemed to indicate that heterosexual residents still view sexual minorities as "others" who are unlikely to inhabit the same spaces they do. Recommendations for further research are provided in order to ameliorate the conditions of aged care facilities for all residents, including sexual minorities.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
gay and lesbian
assisted living
heterosexual
qualitative
resident attitudes