- Title
- Coming out, coming in: How do dominant discourses around aged care facilities take into the account the identity and needs of ageing lesbians
- Creator
- Phillips, Joy; Marks, Genee
- Date
- 2006
- Type
- Text; Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/58582
- Identifier
- vital:706
- Identifier
- ISSN:1833-4512
- Abstract
- A review of aged care policies reveals that GLBTI needs and identities are typically not included or mentioned under the category of ‘special need groups’. This may hinder the provision of aged care services as culturally sensitive, safe and inclusive. The dominant discourse of heteronormativity, evident in the field of gerontology, fails to recognise and acknowledge diversity of sexuality and gender identity. This paper reports on a qualitative research project which used a focus group interview with 6 self-identified, out lesbians aged 45 years and over. Nine aged care facilities’ brochures were also analysed to generate data. The project drew on principles of critical discourse analysis, underpinned by poststructuralism and feminist post-structuralism. The research revealed the silencing of non-heterosexual identities through the absence of representation in the brochures and the exclusion of lesbians from the construction of aged care space. It was observed that current aged care facilities’ design, amenities, flexibility of options and choice do not seem to fit with this generation’s lifestyle, activities and interests regardless of sexual-orientation issues. A proposed preferred option suggested by the members of the focus group was a culturally safe space that is accessible to women only. Recommendations are made for social work practitioners, lesbian and feminist activists, policy makers, the aged care industry, and researchers.; C1
- Publisher
- Australian Psychological Society
- Relation
- Gay & Lesbian Issues and Psychology Review Vol. 2, no. 2 (2006), p. 67-77
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- Copyright Australian Psychological Society. Article available via web link above
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- 2002 Cultural Studies; Lesbian aged care
- Full Text
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