Attitudes of Heterosexual Assisted Living Residents Toward Gay and Lesbian Peers

Sexual minorities in long-term care and assisted living facilities fear discrimination and suboptimal care due to homophobia and heteronormative policies. This qualitative study explored the attitudes of 13 heterosexual assisted living facility residents toward gay and lesbian peers in their facility. Although most participants reported that they were comfortable talking about homosexuality, their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors toward gay and lesbian residents ranged from favorable, to ambivalent, to unfavorable. Results indicated that heterosexual residents still view sexual minorities as “others” who are unlikely to inhabit the same spaces they do. Recommendations for further research are provided in order to ameliorate the conditions of aged care facilities for all residents, including sexual minorities.