Queer generativity. A community-based resilience strategy for sexual minorities

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults grew up in a highly stigmatizing historical era, which required the development of resilience strategies to survive. Queer generativity has been described as a series of behaviors typically acted by LGBTQ+ adults aimed at strengthening sexual minority identities, thus fulfilling a resilience function. Objective: The present study aimed at exploring the unique patterns of generativity practiced by 27 Italian LGB older adults (60 years and older). Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a constructive grounded theory approach. Results: We identified three main forms of queer generativity: (1) personal, involving the reception of generativity from others, the redefinition of religious values, and adjustment of parenting styles according to one’s LGB identity; (2) relational, involving the creation of support and care networks, the provision of resources, and the pursuit of a career that supports the LGBTQ+ community; and (3) political/social, involving LGBTQ+ activism, the creation of LGBTQ+ contexts, and the transmission of knowledge to younger people. Conclusions: Queer generativity emerged as a community-based resilience strategy, as it creates the conditions for producing and transmitting tangible – e.g., LGBT+ centers, clinics, support groups, affirmative laws and policies – and intangible – the redefinition of norms, values, life goals from a minority perspective – resources. Thanks to queer generative actions, LGB older adults used their minority condition to be active and give meaning to their lives, thus thriving in the face of adversities, feeling satisfied, and peacefully facing the end of life.