RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT OF LGBTQIA+ OLDER ADULTS INTO AGING RESEARCH

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQIA+) older adults are a growing population that has been traditionally underrepresented in aging research. Due to stigma and discrimination, many LGBTQIA+ may be reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity, which makes it difficult to recruit and engage LGBTQIA+ populations in aging research. In this symposium, we explore current efforts to recruit LGBTQIA+ older adults via social media, snowball sampling, or other novel methods, as well as ways engage LGBTQIA+ subgroups (e.g., caregivers, racial/ethnic minorities, transgender, intersex and other underrepresented groups). Two presentations focus on the recruitment of gender minorities including transgender and intersex older adults. Ethan Cicero will present a systematic review that highlights currents efforts to recruit older gender minority populations include those who identify as racial/ethnic minorities. Next, Nick Lampe will share methodological approaches for effectively recruiting and engaging transgender, non-binary, and intersex (TNBI) older respondents. Then Austin Oswald will highlight barriers and facilitators to engaging LGBTQ+ elders of color in participatory action research during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kasim Ortiz will examine correlates of survey response participation among older sexual minorities (LGB+) using internet-based sampling via the Census Household Pulse Survey. Finally, Krystal Kittle will highlight a three-stage, pilot intervention that aimed to recruit LGBTQ+ caregivers during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Jason Flatt, an expert in LGBTQIA+ aging research will facilitate a conversation about these results and place them in the context of current efforts to recruit and engage LGBTQIA+ populations in aging research.