Aging Amidst Anti-Trans Legislation: Strategies for Safeguarding the Mental Health of Transgender Older Adults

• In Event: 30860 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 5. Gender, Sexuality, and Aging

Abstract

This study investigates how transgender older adults manage and protect their mental health amidst anti-trans stigma, discrimination, and legislation in the United States. Using semi-structured, individual interviews with 47 trans older adults, two key strategies emerged: (1) reframing transgender identities, bodies, and experiences as life-affirming; and (2) cultivating transgender-inclusive social support networks. Results from the study expand public health research by pinpointing the mental health management strategies transgender older adults use to mitigate the negative impacts of anti-trans sociopolitical climates.

Authors

• Nik M. Lampe, University of South Florida

• J. E. Sumerau, University of Tampa