Gender and older LGBT* housing discourse: the marginalised voices of older lesbians, gay and bisexual women

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is a conceptual discussion of the marginalisation of the voices of older lesbians, gay and bisexual (LGB) women, within the collective discourse of “older LGBT* housing”. The purpose of this paper is to critically interrogate its (in)equality implications and to consider ways in which they might be overcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual discussion that draws on the social justice model of equality developed by Nancy Fraser, specifically the domains of resources, recognition and representation.

Findings

The housing needs, wishes and concerns of older LGB women are often marginalised while at the same time those of older gay men are privileged. Older LGB women’s preferences for gender- and/or sexuality- specific housing are silenced within collective homogenising discourse – by researchers and activists alike – which mobilises a “mainstream” or “LGBT*-specific” binary about housing options.

Research limitations/implications

Research findings which do not include the voices of older lesbian, gay and bisexual women are inherently flawed. There is a need to ensure their voices – across the older age spectrum – are included.

Practical implications

The voices of older LGB women in relation to older age housing need to be better heard so that they can be better resourced.

Social implications

The marginalisation of older lesbian, gay and bisexual women’s voices in relation to older age housing has profound equality and human rights implications.

Originality/value

Critical discussions about the gendering of older LGBT* housing discourse are long overdue. This paper seeks to open a dialogue about these important issues.

Citation

Westwood, S. (2017), "Gender and older LGBT* housing discourse: the marginalised voices of older lesbians, gay and bisexual women", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 100-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-08-2017-0020