Home Seniors and Social Issues Seniors and Homosexuality Explained

Seniors and Homosexuality Explained

Seniors and Homosexuality Explained

Gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transsexual individuals continue to face many problems in the
United States, including various forms of prejudice and discrimination, no
matter how old they are. However, older people who are homosexuals face unique
complications generally not faced by younger generations. Older people grew up
in a time when homosexuality was considered to be an abominable and immoral
practice.

This mentality was often encouraged by religious entities, families,
and individuals. However, today, people have become more accepting and tolerant
of differences in other individuals. More people are exploring alternate forms
of religion and are not conforming to the standards set by the primary
organized religions, such as Christianity and Judaism. In all, younger
generations are proving to be much more open-minded than their elders. As a
result, many young homosexuals are finding it to be easier to accept their
sexuality than older people often do. They are also more commonly accepted by
their peers than gay seniors are.

Due to the stigma that has been associated with homosexuality throughout most
of modern history, gay seniors are often in denial about their sexuality and
they may refuse to admit the truth to even themselves. For example, younger
gays tend to find it slightly easier to confide in friends and family about
their sexuality. This is not to say that young homosexuals do not face problems
and trouble when admitting their sexual preference.

However, gay seniors have
generally been taught that homosexuality is a sin since childhood. As a result,
older people usually experience are afraid with coming to terms with their
sexuality. Even if they are honest about their sexuality to themselves, gay
seniors often keep this secret and refuse to confide in friends and family. As
the baby boomers are beginning to retire, many gay seniors that have decided to
come out about their sexuality are facing extreme discrimination from their
peers, and openly gay older people suffer from severe discrimination when
they enter into nursing homes
pension plan