Quality of Life for Lesbian of Middle-aged and Older Women in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Brazil is currently a country characterized by its vertiginous growth in the older population and the feminization of old age. However, sexual and gender minorities have specific characteristics that affect the ageing and old age of this population, as is the case with lesbian women, especially middle-aged and older women. In this context, the perception of Quality of Life (QoL) can be affected, making it relevant to investigate. This study aimed to investigate Social Representations (SR) among middle-aged and older lesbian women about QoL in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 21 middle-aged and older women (m=57.67 years). Two instruments were used to collect the data: I) a sociodemographic questionnaire and II) a semi-structured interview. SPSS software version 21.0 was used for the sociodemographic data, and Iramuteq version 0.7 for the semi-structured interviews. The result was a dendrogram containing 4 classes of words. It is argued that the participants' SRs point to the impact of socially experienced discrimination on their perception of QoL, which has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic period. We hope to encourage debate about the need for public safety and health policies that reach out to lesbian women in the course of their aging and old age and that can influence a more positive QoL.