Ending the silence : older lesbians, concerns and considerations as caregivers

Abstract

This thesis examines the social construction, development, and identity of the lesbian caregiver and her experiences, as well as the impact of sexual orientation on the role of being a caregiver within mainstream society and in the health care system. Using an autobiographical approach derived from Brookes, Leighteizer, Auger, Gallagher and others combined with support from secondary and primary literature sources and observations I analyze the/a lesbian caregiver's self identity and presentation in contrast to, and connected with, the caregiving identity. Discuss the construction of "the lesbian identity" in society and culture as done in order to maintain the perception of the "maternal, feminine" caregiving role. Outlining the importance of utilizing autobiography in researching lesbians experiences, and building on the notion that women's voices and experiences build upon the foundation of traditional models of research, I also utilize feminist perspectives to discuss the need more than ever for women's voices to be heard.