Gay and Lesbian Elders - by Nancy J Knauer (Hardcover)

About the Book

Drawing on materials from law, history, and social theory, this book addresses concerns specific to the underserved and understudied population of two million gay and lesbian elders in the United States. Integrating theory with practical questions of policy, and advancing a new understanding of the construction of sexuality and identity, author Nancy J. Knauer advocates meaningful new reforms designed to ensure equity and dignity in aging regardless of sexual orientation.

Book Synopsis

The approximately two million gay and lesbian elders in the United States are an underserved and understudied population. At a time when gay men and lesbians enjoy an unprecedented degree of social acceptance and legal protection, many elders face the daily challenges of aging isolated from family, detached from the larger gay and lesbian community, and ignored by mainstream aging initiatives. Drawing on materials from law, history, and social theory, this book integrates practical proposals for reform with larger issues of sexuality and identity. Beginning with a summary of existing demographic data and offering a historical overview of pre-Stonewall views of homosexuality, author Nancy J. Knauer goes on to address the invisibility of this community. She examines the multiple double binds central to their identity formation, including ageism among gays and lesbians and homophobia among seniors. Further, the book focuses on specific legal concerns such as estate planning, housing, discrimination, and financial insecurity, and how they impact this community uniquely. Integrating theory with practical questions of policy, and advancing a new understanding of the construction of sexuality and identity, this book advocates meaningful new reforms designed to ensure equity and dignity in aging regardless of sexual orientation.

Review Quotes

'In this well-researched book, legal scholar Knauer [...] presents the estimated two million lesbian and gay elders in the US as an underserved and poorly understood group. She convincingly argues that identity formation for gay people is uniquely the product of their historical context... An excellent book... Highly recommended.' Choice

About the Author

Nancy J. Knauer is Professor of Law at the Temple University, Beasley School of Law, where she teaches subjects including political and civil rights, property, and taxation.