"You have to let go." The experience of aging among non-heterosexual women aged 50 and over
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Older non-heterosexual women in Poland maintain positive body image while navigating aging and menopause. They challenge societal expectations by embracing diverse sexual and gender identities throughout life.
Area Of Science
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
- Gerontology
Background
- Body image and experiences of aging and menopause are often studied within heteronormative frameworks.
- Limited research exists on the intersection of non-heterosexual identity, aging, and body image in older women.
Purpose Of The Study
- To explore the body image of non-heterosexual women aged 50+ in Poland.
- To examine the influence of aging, menopause, and sexual/gender identity on their body image.
Main Methods
- In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with non-heterosexual ciswomen aged 50-67.
- The interviews focused on experiences with menopause, body image, and aging.
Main Results
- Thematic analysis revealed two key themes: menopause as a process of re-integration with the body, and a departure from heteronormative femininity.
- A subcategory of 'negotiating gender identity - nonbinary lesbianism' emerged within the theme of breaking away from heteronormative femininity.
Conclusions
- Older non-heterosexual women in Poland generally preserve a positive body image despite diverse experiences of aging and menopause.
- Findings suggest older non-heterosexual women actively negotiate their sexual and gender identities, enabling resistance to stereotypical social expectations regarding appearance and sexual expression.
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