This master's thesis explores the position of older individuals within the LGBT+ community, focusing on their life experiences, challenges, and sources of support in later life. The research addresses the lack of Slovenian sociological studies that examine the intersection of aging and sexual and gender diversity. The primary aim is to understand how older LGBT+ people in Slovenia experience aging, how their identity evolves in later years, and which forms of support or exclusion they encounter within family, community, and institutional contexts.
The empirical part is based on a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with six LGBT+ individuals aged over 60. Thematic analysis was used to structure the data into key areas: personal history and disclosure, experiences of aging, social support, encounters with health and social care, and community belonging.
Findings reveal selective and partial disclosure of identity, a lack of formal support structures, emotional distance from biological families, and the central role of chosen families and informal networks. The study also highlights the absence of inclusive services and a widespread sense of institutional invisibility. The results point to the need for more inclusive, sensitive, and accessible support systems tailored to the needs of LGBT+ elders.
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