Barriers and catalysts of aging for LGBTQ+ older adults : a photovoice study

For LGBTQ+ older adults, the intersecting influence of sexuality, gender expression, and sociocultural factors result in a distinct aging experience. The concept of successful aging is often utilized by professionals to guide policy and practice for aging populations, yet LGBTQ+ older adults are frequently absent from dominant perspectives on aging. To examine barriers and catalysts for successful aging from a queer perspective, Photovoice--a visual participatory research method--was utilized to engage participants (n = 9) in visually and verbally expressing their lived experience about barriers and catalysts of successful aging and overall aging experiences. The Photovoice exhibit was utilized as an educational tool for key stakeholders including health, legal, social welfare, and business professionals (n = 38). After viewing the virtual exhibit, stakeholders completed an online survey about the potential impact of the exhibit and reactions to the content. DBTQ+ Photovoice participants, two primary themes were identified pertaining to what it means to age successfully as an LGBTQ+ individual: The Relational Landscape and Re-Writing the Narrative. Themes highlighted the centrality of the relationship with oneself, queer identity, and one's support network. Further, these themes articulated the importance of advocacy and representation as salient to feeling successful in later life. The key stakeholder survey yielded two themes pertaining to the educational impact of the Photovoice exhibit: Images Brought Stories to Light and Nature of Identity. These themes illustrated the ways in which professionals connected emotionally to the stories and images, and their learning about the importance of identity and timing of coming out for LGBTQ+ individuals.