LGBT ADULTS AGED 50 AND OLDER IN - THE US During the COVID-19 Pandemic RESEARCH THAT MATTERS
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RESEARCH THAT MATTERS LGBT ADULTS AGED 50 AND OLDER IN THE US During the COVID-19 Pandemic JANUARY 2023 Lauren J.A. Bouton Amanda M. Brush Ilan H. Meyer
LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................8
CHALLENGES TO HEALTHY AGING FOR LGBT OLDER ADULTS............................................................................................................ 9
DIVERSITY AMONG LGBT OLDER ADULTS.............................................................................................................................................. 11
RESULTS............................................................................................................................................................................13
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS.......................................................................................................................................................... 13
ECONOMIC FACTORS................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
LGBT Adults Aged 50–64....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
LGBT Adults Aged 65 and older........................................................................................................................................................... 23
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING........................................................................................................................................................................ 29
COVID-19................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Mental Health and Well-Being............................................................................................................................................................. 34
CONCLUSIONS..................................................................................................................................................................41
MORE RESEARCH ON LGBT AGING IS NEEDED...................................................................................................................................... 42
RESILIENCE IN LGBT AGING...................................................................................................................................................................... 42
METHODS..........................................................................................................................................................................45
AUTHORS..........................................................................................................................................................................47
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS............................................................................................................................................................................... 47
SUGGESTED CITATION.............................................................................................................................................................................. 47LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
LGBT older adults, defined in this study as those over 50 years old, face significant and unique
challenges to health and well-being as they age. They are more likely than their straight/cisgender
peers to experience social and economic barriers that prevent healthy aging. Research has shown
that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased economic and social instability for LGBT people of all
ages. However, precarity is not new for LGBT older adults and COVID-19 may be viewed as part of a
continuum of disruptive events that impact the aging experiences of LGBT older adults.
Using data from the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (HPS) collected July 21, 2021 to August 8,
2022, we explore the demographics, health, and economic experiences of older LGBT adults during
the COVID-19 pandemic as compared with straight/cisgender older adults. This analysis used the first
U.S. Census Bureau data that has included questions about sexual orientation and gender identity
(SOGI), which gives researchers an opportunity to use a nationally representative sample to describe
the health and well-being of LGBT and straight/cisgender older adults. The analytic sample was
limited to 533,179 survey respondents who were over age 50 and could be classified as LGBT or non-
LGBT based on their responses to the survey questions.
KEY FINDINGS
Demographic Characteristics
• More people aged 50–64 identified as LGBT than those aged 65 years and older (4.4% vs.
2.4%, respectively).
• In both 50–64 and 65+ age cohorts, more men than women identified as LGBT; the opposite is
true for younger LGBT adults.
• In both the age cohorts, more LGBT than straight/cisgender adults obtained higher levels of
education (50–64 cohort: 67% vs. 59%; 65+ cohort: 71% vs. 57%, respectively), and more LGBT
adults lived alone (50–64 cohort: 18% vs. 8%; 65+ cohort: 25% vs. 15%, respectively).
• Although far more LGBT people had never been married (50–64 cohort: 36% vs. 8%; 65+
cohort: 29% vs. 4%, respectively), LGBT and straight/cisgender people had similar rates of
divorce/separation in both cohorts (50–64 cohort: 20% vs. 21%; 65+ cohort: 21% vs. 17%,
respectively).LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 3
Economic factors
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
21%
19%
18%
15% 15%
12%
10%
8%
IncomeLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 4
Aged 50–64
37%
33%
30%
27% 28%
22%
18%
14%
10%
6%
White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial
IncomeLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 5
• Additionally, compared to White LGBT people, more Black LGBT adults from both cohorts
reported not having enough food to eat (50–64 cohort: 9% vs. 15%; 65+ cohort: 3% vs. 14%),
renting rather than owning their homes (50–64 cohort: 24% vs. 53%; 65+ cohort: 18% vs. 51%),
and having trouble paying household expenses (50–64 cohort: 28% vs. 46%; 65+ cohort: 18%
vs. 41% ).
• Compared to White LGBT people, more Hispanic LGBT adults from both cohorts reported
not having enough food to eat (50–64 cohort: 9% vs. 21%; 65+ cohort: 3% vs. 14%), renting
rather than owning their homes (50–64 cohort: 24% vs. 46%; 65+ cohort: 18% vs. 39%), having
trouble paying household expenses (50–64 cohort: 28% vs. 47%; 65+ cohort: 18% vs. 40%),
and keeping the temperature of their homes at unsafe levels (50–64 cohort: 20% vs 33%; 65+
cohort: 14% vs. 27%).
• In both cohorts, compared to White LGBT adults, Multiracial LGBT adults reported keeping the
temperature of their homes at an unsafe level (50–64 cohort: 20% vs. 31%; 65+ cohort: 14% vs.
33%, respectively).
• Additionally, among those 65 years of age and older, the proportion of Black and Hispanic
LGBT people who reported living in poverty, being food insecure, having trouble paying bills,
expenses, and rent were about twice that of White LGBT people.
Health and Well-Being
Received a COVID-19 vaccine
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
94% 94% 96%
87%
50-64 65+
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (July 2021–October 2021)
Note: Bolded values indicate LGBT people are statistically different from straight/cisgender people.
• In both age cohorts, almost all LGBT people had received a COVID-19 vaccine and this
proportion was slightly higher than among the straight/cisgender cohorts.
• Additionally, in both age cohorts, White and Asian LGBT adults showed the highest rates of
COVID-19 vaccination.LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 6
• Among those who had not received the vaccine, more LGBT than straight/cisgender adults in
both cohorts said they planned to get the vaccine (50-64 cohort: 23% vs.; 65+ cohort: 21% vs.
15%, respectively).
• Similar proportions of LGBT and straight/cisgender people in both cohorts had tested positive
or been diagnosed with COVID-19 (50–64 cohort: 38% vs. 41%; 65+ cohort: 25% vs. 28%,
respectively).
• Among the 50–64 cohort, 50% of Asian, 46% of Hispanic, 43% of Multiracial, 36% of White, and
30% of Black LGBT adults said they had COVID-19.
• Among the 65+ cohort, 45% of Hispanic, 36% of Asian, 23% of Multiracial, 22% of White, and
14% of White LGBT adults said they had COVID-19.
Mental Health
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
31%
22% 23%
17%
15%
12% 13%
9%
Anxiety symptoms Depression symptoms Anxiety symptoms Depression symptoms
50-64 65+
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (July 2021–August 2022)
Note: Bolded values indicate LGBT people are statistically different from straight/cisgender people.
• In both cohorts, more LGBT than straight/cisgender people reported experiencing anxiety and
depression symptoms.
• In addition, more LGBT than straight/cisgender people in both cohorts were prescribed
medication for their mental health (50–64 cohort: 35% vs. 23%; 65+ cohort: 29% vs. 20%,
respectively), were going to therapy (50–64 cohort: 18% vs. 8%; 65+ cohort: 9% vs. 5%,
respectively), and reported needing help from a mental health professional but not getting it
(50–64 cohort: 16% vs. 8%; 65+ cohort: 7% vs. 4%, respectively).
• Compared to White LGBT people, more Multiracial LGBT people were experiencing anxiety
and depression symptoms in the 50–64 cohort (Anxiety symptoms: 30% vs. 40%; Depression
symptoms: 22% vs. 31%, respectively), and more Multiracial LGBT people were experiencing
depression symptoms in the 65+ cohort (12% vs. 36%, respectively).LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 7
Aged 50–64
45%
38%
27% 28% 28%
23% 24%
20%
17%
15% 15% 15% 15%
13%
9%
White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial
Prescribed medication for mental health Going to therapy Did not get needed therapy
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (July 2021–August 2022)
Note: Bolded values indicate that race/ethnicity is statistically different from White.
• Compared to White and Multiracial LGBT people in the 50–64 cohort, fewer Hispanic, Black,
and Asian LGBT people were prescribed medication; more Multiracial LGBT people were going
to therapy compared to White and Hispanic LGBT people, and more Multiracial LGBT people
needed therapy but did not get it compared to White and Asian LGBT people.
Aged 65+
44%
33%
28%
22%
10% 11%
9% 9% 9% 8%
6% 6% 6% 5%
2%
White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial
Prescribed medication for mental health Going to therapy Did not get needed therapy
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (July 2021–August 2022)
Note: Bolded values indicate that race/ethnicity is statistically different from White and Black.
• Compared to White and Black LGBT people in the 65+ cohort, fewer Asian LGBT people were
prescribed medication or were going to therapy.LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 8
INTRODUCTION
The American population is getting older. By 2050, the over-65 population is estimated to reach 85.7
million, or 22% of the US population.1 Without an adequate social safety net, many older adults in the
United States are vulnerable to poor social and economic outcomes. For example, over 15 million, or
1 in 3 older adults, live below the federal poverty level2 and this number is expected to grow as the
size of the aging populations increases. Researchers estimated that there are 2.7 million LGBT older
adults in the United States,3 and that population is likely to double by 2030.4 The growing aging LGBT
population is a microcosm of dramatic demographic change within the United States population.
Compared to straight/cisgender older adults, LGBT older adults face unique challenges as they age.
LGBT older adults are twice as likely to be single and three to four times less likely to have children
compared to straight/cisgender older adults.5 Because many LGBT older adults live alone, this
puts them at a severe risk for social isolation.6 Many LGBT older adults eschew living in retirement
and long-term care housing because of widespread homophobia and transphobia in eldercare
settings.7 LGBT older adults are more likely than their straight/cisgender counterparts to contend
with economic insecurity, which impacts the ability to age comfortably.8 For older adults in general,
the COVID-19 pandemic has increased isolation9 and decreased economic stability.10 However, little is
known about the pandemic experience of LGBT older adults. 11 Since isolation and economic instability
are issues that LGBT older adults were contending with prior to the pandemic, it is likely
1
Vespa, J., Medina, L., & Armstrong, D.M. (2018). Demographic turning point for the United States: Population
projections for 2020 to 2060. US Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/
publications/2020/demo/p25-1144.pdf
2
National Council on Aging (2022, July 15). Get the facts of economic security for seniors. Economic Security for
Advocates. https://ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-economic-security-for-seniors
3
Burton, C.W., Lee, J.A., Waalen, A., & Gibbs, L.M. (2020). “‘Things are different now but”: Older LGBT adults’
experiences and unmet needs in health care.” Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 31:5. 492-501. https://doi.
org/10.1177/1043659619895099
4
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. (2014). Promoting health equity among LGBT mid-life and older adults. Generations, 38(4),
86–92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431582/
5
Movement Advancement Project (MAP) & Service and Advocacy of LGBT Older Adults (SAGE) (2010). Improving the
Lives of LGBT Older Adults. https://www.lgbtmap.org/policy-and-issue-analysis/improving-the-lives-of-lgbt-older-adults
6
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K.I., & Espinoza, R. (2014). Time for transformation: public policy must change to achieve health
equity of LGBT older adults. Generations. 38(4): 97-106. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425261/
7
Fasullo, K., McIntosh, E., Buchholz, S.W., Ruppar, T., & Ailey, S. (2022). LGBTQ older adults in long-term care settings:
An integrative review to inform best practices. Clinical Gerontologist. 45(5). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.108
0/07317115.2021.1947428
8
Emlet, C. A. (2016). Social, economic, and health disparities among LGBT older adults. Generations. 40(2): 16-22. https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5373809/
9
MacLeod, S., Tkatch, R., Kraemer, S., Fellows, A., McGinn, M., Schaeffer, J., & Yeh, C.S. (2021). COVID-19 era social
isolation among older adults. Geriatrics. 6(2). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.840940
10
Bailey, N. & Harrington, A. (2022, April 27). The Economic impact of the pandemic on older adults. Generations. https://
generations.asaging.org/economic-impact-pandemic-older-adults
11
Jen, S., Stewart, D., & Woody, I. (2020). Serving LGBTQ+/SGL elders during the novel corona virus (COVID-19)
pandemic: Striving for justice, recognizing resilience. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 63(6-7): 607-610. https://
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01634372.2020.1793255LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 9
that COVID-19 has exasperated these issues for LGBT older adults. Therefore, COVID-19, may be viewed as a
part of a continuum of disruptive events that continue to impact the aging experiences of LGBT older adults.
Using data from the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (HPS), in this report we explore the
demographics and health experiences of older LGBT adults during the COVID-19 pandemic as
compared with straight/cisgender older adults. This is the first time the U.S. Census Bureau has included
questions about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), which gives researchers an opportunity
to use a nationally representative sample to describe the health and well-being of LGBT older adults.
CHALLENGES TO HEALTHY AGING FOR LGBT OLDER ADULTS
Older LGBT adults came of age when discrimination against LGBT people was commonplace
and legally codified throughout the U.S. In addition, many older LGBT adults have experienced
minority stressors related to societal prejudice and stigma,12 including sexual and gender-based
victimization,13,14 and discrimination in employment, housing and healthcare delivery.15 Because of
discriminatory experiences, many LGBT older experience a “compression of morbidity,”16 or the onset
of functional limitations at an earlier age.17 Moreover, many LGBT older adults experience adverse
social and economic conditions over a lifetime, making them more vulnerable to negative health
outcomes such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and chronic disease, such as arthritis, HIV,
high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, and diabetes compared to non-LGBT older adults.18, 19, 20
12
Meyer, I.H. (2003). Prejudice as stress: Conceptual and measurement problems. American Journal of Public Health, 93(2):
262-265. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.93.2.262?role=tab
13
Meanley, S.P., Plankey, M.W., Matthews, D.D., Hawk, M.E., Egan, J.E., Teplin, L.A., Shoptaw, S.S., Surkan, P.J., & Stall,
R.D. (2021). Lifetime prevalence of sociodemographic correlates of multifactorial discrimination among middle-aged and
older adult men who have sex with men.” Journal of Homosexuality.68(10): 1591-1608. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/
full/10.1080/00918369.2019.1702353
14
Meyer, I.H., Wilson, B.D.M., & O’Neil, K. (2021). LGBTQ people in the US: select findings from the Generations and
TransPop Studies.” The Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/generations-transpop-
toplines/
15
Movement Advancement Project & Service and Advocacy for LGBT Elders. ND. Understanding Issues Facing LGBT Older
Adults https://www.lgbtmap.org/file/understanding-issues-facing-lgbt-older-adults.pdf
16
House, J.S., Lantz, P.M., & Herd, P. (2005). Continuity and change in the social stratification of aging and health over
the life course: Evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study from 1986 to 2001/2002 (Americans’
Changing Lives Study). The Journal of Gerontology: Series B. 60(2): S15-S26. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/60.Special_
Issue_2.S15
17
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K.I., & Kim, H.J. (2017). The science of conducting research with LGBT older adults--An
introduction to aging with pride: National health, aging, and sexuality/gender study (NHAS).” The Gerontologist. 57: S1-
S14. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw212
18
Fredriksen-Goldsen, K.I., Kim, H.J., Muraco, A. & Mincer, S. (2009). Chronically ill midlife and older lesbians, gay men,
bisexuals, and their informal caregivers: The impact of social context. Sexuality Research & Social Policy. 6(4): 52-64.
https://doi.10.1525/srsp.2009.6.4.52
19
Choi, S.K., & Meyer, I.H. (2016). LGBT aging: A review of research findings, needs, and policy implications. Williams
Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/lgbt-aging/
20
Fredricksen-Goldsen, K. I., Emlet, C.A., Kim, H.J., Muraco, A., Erosheva, E.A., Goldsen, J. & Hoy-Ellis, C.P. (2013). The
physical and mental health of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual (LGB) older adults: The role of key health indicators and risk
and protective factors. The Gerontologist. 53(4) 664-675. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gns123LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 10
The “compression of morbidity” experienced by many LGBT older adults may lead to a faster onset of
aging compared to straight/cisgender adults. To better understand the impact of discrimination and
disadvantage on aging, it is important to start studying LGBT aging at an earlier age (e.g., starting at
50 rather than 65+). Because LGBT older adults are more likely than straight/cisgender older adults
to be living with a chronic health condition they often need more age-related support.21 However,
compared with straight/cisgender adults, LGBT older adults are less likely to be married, more likely to
live alone, and to report social isolation.22 Additionally, many LGBT older adults lack social resources,
such as access to LGBT-friendly senior services, which creates a social care deficit.23 In a particularly
stark example of the consequences of social isolation, nearly a quarter of LGBT older adults report
that they have no one to call in case of emergency. 24 Thus, LGBT people are more likely than straight/
cisgender people to experience social isolation because they do not have biological family members,
especially children, who often are called on to provide care and support to older adults.
LGBT older adults are also less likely than straight/cisgender older adults to have supportive
relationships with families of origin who can provide age-related informal caregiving and social
support.25 Instead, LGBT older adults may rely on chosen families to provide age-related support. And
while the support of chosen families enables strong community ties and resilience, LGBT older adults
are also overrepresented among caregivers in families of choice, and experience disproportionately
high levels of physical and mental health stress compared to straight/cisgender aging caregivers.26
Also, institutional regulations commonly fail to recognize the legitimacy of non-biologic caregiving
relationships, making it challenging to both the caregiver and the recipient of care .27
Older LGBT adults require attention that caters to both their needs as senior citizens and as members
of the LGBT community. LGBT older adults often need increased healthcare attention as they age, but
are likely to have experienced discrimination and trauma throughout their lifetimes in healthcare
21
Brennan-Ing, M., Seidel, L., Larson, B. & Karpiak, S.E. (2014). Social care networks among older LGBT adults:
Challenges for the future. Journal of Homosexuality. 61: 21-52. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0091836
9.2013.835235
22
The Fenway Institute. (2020). Coronavirus, COVID-19, and Considerations for People Living with HIV and LGBTQIA+
People. https://fenwayhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/C19MC-9_COVID-19and-LGBTQIA-and-People-Living-with-HIV-
Brief_final2_links.pdf
23
Ibid.
24
Movement Advancement Project & Service and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (MAP, SAGE). (2020). LGBT Older People
and COVID-19: Addressing Higher Risk, Social Isolation, and Discrimination. https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/
resource.cfm?r=1022
25
Breder, K. & Bockting, W. (2021). Social networks of LGBT older adults. American Sociological Association. https://
psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fsgd0000552
26
Boehmer, U., Clark, M.A., Lord, E.M., & Fredman, L. (2019). Caregiving status and health of heterosexual, sexual
minority, and transgender adults: Results from select US regions in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2015
and 2016. Gerontologist. 59:4, 760-769. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gny109
27
Barrett, N., & Wholihab, D. (2016). Providing palliative care to LGBTQ patients. Nursing Clinics of North America. 51(3):
501-511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2016.05.001LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 11
settings.28 For those who do seek aging-related services and care, many LGBT older adults routinely
receive poor treatment or are denied age-related resources.29
Many LGBT older adults do not disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity for fear of stigma,
sometimes stemming from trauma and experiences of ostracization in medical systems as in the height
of the HIV/AIDS epidemic during the late 1980s and early 1990s.30 LGBT people also have overlapping
experiences of sexism, homophobia, and/or transphobia in medical settings.31 For transgender older
adults, many have endured a near absence of routinized gender-affirming care, including lack of
access and interacting with discriminatory medical providers, throughout their lifetimes.32, 33 Because
of prejudice and discrimination over the life course, current estimates show that 40% of cisgender LGB
and 46% of transgender older adults do not disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity to
physicians because they fear disclosure will compromise their level and quality of care.34
DIVERSITY AMONG LGBT OLDER ADULTS
LGBT older adults are a diverse group facing distinct challenges in regard to sexual orientation and
gender identity and along other axes of inequality and dimensions of identity.35 For example, older
lesbians are discriminated against because of their age, gender, and sexual orientation,36 and gay men
are more likely than other groups to live with post-traumatic stress stemming from experiences during
the HIV/AIDS epidemic.37 Bisexual women and men receive minimal attention in aging research and
remain an invisible population, in part because bisexual adults are less likely than other LGBT adults
to be out as bisexual. 38 The scant existing data about bisexual adults shows that 47% of bisexual
28
Burton, C. W., Lee, J.A., Waalen, A. & Gibbs, L.M. (2020). “Things are different now but”: Older LGBT adults’
experiences and unmet needs in health care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. 31:5. 492-501.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659619895099
29
SAGE, AARP New York, & AARP Foundation. (2021). Disrupting disparities: Solutions for LGBTQ New Yorkers 50+. https://
www.sageusa.org/resource-posts/disrupting-disparities-solutions-for-lgbtq-new-yorkers-50/
30
Kia, H., Salway, T., Lacombe-Duncan, A., Ferlatte, O. & Ross, L.E. (2022). ‘You could tell i said the wrong things’:
Constructions of sexual identity among older gay men in healthcare settings. Qualitative Health Research. 32(2):255-266.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10497323211050373
31
Bulter, S. S. (2018). Older lesbians receiving home care: Formal and informal dimensions of caregiving. Journal of
Women and Aging. 30(2):91-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2017.1290977
32
Cai, X., Hughto, J., Reiser, S., Pachankis, J.E., & Levy, B.R. (2019). Benefit of gender-affirming medical treatment
for transgender elders: Later in life alignment of body and mind. LGBT Health. 6(1): 34-39. https://doi.10.1089/
lgbt.2017.0262
33
Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Fredriksen-Goldsen, K.I., & Kim, H.J. Utilization of recommended preventative health screenings
between transgender and cisgender older adults in sexual and gender minority communities. Journal of Aging and Health.
0(0): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643211068557
34
Espinoza, R. (2014). Out and visible: The experiences and attitudes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older
adults, ages 45-75. SAGE. https://www.sageusa.org/resource-posts/out-visible-the-experiences-and-attitudes-of-
lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-older-adults-ages-45-75-by-the-numbers-full-report/
35
Haber, D. (2009). Gay aging. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education. 30(3), 267-280. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/
abs/10.1080/02701960903133554
36
Averett, P, Pylant, J., Craft, K. & Ricks, I. (2020). ‘I would do it again’: Past and present experiences of older lesbians.”
Journal of Women & Aging. 32(3): 314-328. https://doi.10.1080/08952841.2018.1549435
37
See Kia et al. 2022
38
Movement Advancement Project. September 2017. A Closer Look: Bisexual Older Adults. https://www.lgbtmap.org/
bisexual-older-adultsLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 12
men and 48% of bisexual women aged 65 and older live at or below the 200% federal poverty level.39
Transgender people are some of the most marginalized populations in the U.S.40 They experience
discrimination and abuse by caregivers and face significant challenges in living their authentic gender
identity as they age.41 Although LGBT people have many shared experiences, they also have unique
life histories which require more research to develop information and interventions that promote
healthy aging for each group under the rainbow.
LGBT older adults of color are often overlooked in research about LGBT aging, and they face unique
issues of being multiply marginalized as they age. 42,43 Experiencing a lifetime of the overlapping
cumulative effects of systemic racism and homophobia, together increases the risk for mental and
physical health issues, through general stress mechanisms, as well as social and economic insecurity,
among LGBT older adults of color.44,45 Like sexual orientation and gender identity, race and ethnicity
are not a monolith. For example, older Black gay men are more likely to have been living with
HIV for multiple decades but receive subpar care and experience worse economic conditions in
comparison to their White gay male counterparts.46,47,48 Conversely, Black lesbians not only experience
homophobia, racism, and ageism, but they also contend with sexism. The compounding effects of
overlapping oppressions results in a lack of access to gerontological healthcare and exasperates
health challenges for older Black lesbians. 49,50
39
Ibid.
40
Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Fredriksen-Goldsen, K.I., & Kim, H.J. Utilization of recommended preventative health screenings
between transgender and cisgender older adults in sexual and gender minority communities. Journal of Aging and Health.
0(0): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643211068557
41
See Barrett and Wholihab, 2016
42
Barnett, A. P., del Río-González, A.M., Parchem, B., Pinho, V., Aguayo-Romero, R., Nakamura, N., Calabrese, S.K.,
Poppen, P.J., & Zea, M.C. (2019). Content analysis of psychological research with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
people of color in the United States: 1969-2018. American Psychologist. 74(8): 898-911. https://doi.org/10.1037/
amp0000562
43
Kum, S. (2017). Gay, grey, black, and blue: An examination of some the challenges faced by older LGBTQ people of
color. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health. 21(3): 228-239.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19359705.
2017.1320742
44
Brown, A. L., Matthews, D. D., Meanley, S., Brennan-Ing, M., Haberlen, S., D’Souza, G., Ware, D., Egan, J., Shoptaw, S.,
Teplin, L. A., Friedman, M. R., & Plankey, M. (2022). The effect of discrimination and resilience on depressive symptoms
among middle-aged and older men who have sex with men. Stigma and Health, 7(1), 113–121. https://doi.org/10.1037/
sah0000327
45
Kim, H. J., Jen, S., & Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I. (2017). Race/Ethnicity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among LGBT
Older Adults. The Gerontologist, 57(suppl 1), S30–S39. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw172
46
Grill, K. B., Wang, J., Scott, R. K., Benator, D., D’Angelo, L. J., Lyon, M. E., & Palliative Care Consortium (2021). What do
adults with HIV Want? End-of-life care goals, values and beliefs by gender, race, sexual orientation. The American Journal
of Hospice & Palliative Care, 38(6), 610–617. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049909120988282
47
Haile, R., Padilla, M. B., & Parker, E. A. (2011). ‘Stuck in the quagmire of an HIV ghetto’: The meaning of stigma in the
lives of older black gay and bisexual men living with HIV in New York City. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 13(4), 429–442.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2010.537769
48
Ibid.
49
Seelman, K. L., Adams, M. A., & Poteat, T. (2017). Interventions for healthy aging among mature black lesbians:
Recommendations gathered through community-based research. Journal of Women & Aging, 29(6), 530–542. https://doi.
org/10.1080/08952841.2016.1256733
50
Woody, I. (2015). Lift every voice: Voices of african american lesbian elders. Journal of Lesbian Studies. 19(1): 50-58.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10894160.2015.972755LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 13
RESULTS
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
Table 1 shows that more people aged 50–64 identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
(LGBT), than those 65 years of age and older. Of the LGBT people (N = 23,812), 95% were LGB and 5%
were transgender, of them 72% identified as transgender and 28% were classified as transgender
based on their response to sex assigned-at-birth and current gender questions.
Table 1. LGBT status by age group in the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey
AGED 50–64 AGED 65+
SOGI
(N = 271,951) (N = 261,228)
% 95% CI % 95% CI
Straight/Cisgender 95.6 95.4, 95.7 97.6 97.5, 97.7
LGBT 4.4 4.29, 4.58 2.4 2.3, 2.5
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Note: SOGI = Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity; LGBT = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender; CI = Confidence Interval
Demographic characteristics are shown for the 50–64 age cohort in Table 2 and the 65 and older
cohort in Table 3. In both cohorts, more men identified as LGBT than women and fewer Black
respondents identified as LGBT compared with their proportion in the straight/cisgender population.
In the 50–64 age cohort, fewer Asian respondents were LGBT and slightly more White and Multiracial
respondents were LGBT than their proportion in the straight/cisgender population. In the 65 and
older cohort, slightly more Hispanic and Multiracial respondents were LGBT than in the straight/
cisgender population (Figure 1).
Figure 1. LGBT adults aged 50–64 and 65 and older, by race/ethnicity
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
78% 77%
67%
64%
14% 16% 13% 10% 11%
8% 9% 6%
5% 3% 3% 4% 3% 2% 2% 4%
White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial
50-64 65+
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Note: Bolded values indicate LGBT people are statistically different from straight/cisgender people.LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 14
In both age cohorts, more LGBT than straight/cisgender people obtained higher levels of education
and lived alone (Figure 2). More LGBT people had never been married, and in the 50-64 cohort LGBT
and cis/straight people had similar rates of divorce/separation, however slightly more LGBT people
had been divorced in the 65 and older cohort (Figure 3).
Figure 2. Household size among adults aged 50–64 and 65 and older, by sexual and gender identity
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
57% 57%
52%
45%
37%
35%
29%
25%
23%
18%
15%
8%
One Two Three+ One Two Three+
50-64 65+
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Note: Bolded values indicate LGBT people are statistically different from straight/cisgender people
Figure 3. Marital status among adults aged 50–64 and 65 and older, by sexual and gender identity
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
67% 65%
41% 43%
36%
29%
21% 20% 21%
17%
14%
8% 7%
4% 3% 4%
Married Widowed Divorced/ Never married Married Widowed Divorced/ Never married
Separated Separated
50-64 65+
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Note: Bolded values indicate LGBT people are statistically different from straight/cisgender peopleLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 15
Table 2. Demographic characteristics of adults aged 50–64, by sexual and gender identity
STRAIGHT/CISGENDER LGBT
DEMOGRAPHICS
(N = 256,741) (N = 15,210)
% 95% CI % 95% CI Χ2
Gender 4.1*
Male 48.6 48.2, 49.0 58.1 56.5, 59.7
Female 51.4 51.0, 51.8 37.7 36.2, 39.2
Transgender 0.0 3.2 2.4, 4.3
None of these 0.0 1.0 0.8, 1.3
Race/Ethnicity1 768.7*
White 64.4 64.0, 64.8 67.1 65.3, 68.8
Hispanic 14.0 13.7, 14.4 15.6 14.1, 17.3
Black 13.2 12.9, 13.5 9.8 8.7, 11.1
Asian 4.9 4.8, 5.1 3.3 2.7, 4.1
Multiracial 3.4 3.2, 3.5 4.1 3.6, 4.8
Education 997.1*
High school or less 41.0 40.6, 41.4 33.3 31.4, 35.3
Some college or more 59.0 58.6, 59.4 66.7 64.7, 68.6
Marital Status 3.7*
Married 67.1 66.8, 67.5 40.9 39.3, 42.5
Widowed 3.8 3.6, 3.9 2.8 2.3, 3.4
Divorced/Separated 20.8 20.5, 21.1 20.2 18.8, 21.7
Never married 8.3 8.1, 8.5 36.1 34.5, 37.8
Household size 2
7,663.7*
One 8.4 8.3, 8.6 17.5 16.5, 18.4
Two 35.1 34.7, 35.4 45.3 43.7, 47.0
3+ 56.5 56.1, 56.9 37.2 35.5, 39.0
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Notes:
1
Multiracial group includes people who identify in more than one race category or identified as Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander or American Indian/Alaskan Native.
2
People who reported households of 10 people or more were excluded from analyses, see Methods section.
*p< .05LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 16
Table 3. Demographic characteristics of adults aged 65 and older, by sexual and gender identity
STRAIGHT/
LGBT
DEMOGRAPHICS CISGENDER
(N = 8,602)
(N = 252,626)
% 95% CI % 95% CI Χ2
Gender 4.1*
Male 45.8 45.4, 46.2 55.4 53.0, 57.7
Female 54.2 53.8, 54.6 40.4 38.1, 42.7
Transgender 0.0 3.5 2.6, 4.8
None of these 0.0 0.7 0.5, 1.1
Race/Ethnicity1 617.7*
White 77.7 77.3, 78.1 77.3 74.7, 79.7
Hispanic 8.4 8.0, 8.7 10.5 8.8, 12.5
Black 8.5 8.2, 8.7 5.8 4.6, 7.3
Asian 3.1 3.0, 3.3 2.4 1.8, 3.2
Multiracial 2.3 2.2, 2.5 4.0 2.6, 6.2
Education 1,828.0*
High school or less 42.8 42.4, 43.3 28.7 25.9, 31.6
Some college or more 57.2 56.7, 57.6 71.3 68.4, 74.1
Marital Status 3.31*
Married 64.9 64.5, 65.3 42.5 40.3, 44.8
Widowed 14.0 13.7, 14.3 7.4 6.5, 8.6
Divorced/Separated 17.2 16.9, 17.5 21.2 19.2, 23.3
Never married 3.9 3.8, 4.1 28.9 26.6, 31.2
Household size 2
1,835.7*
One 14.9 14.7, 15.1 24.9 23.2, 26.7
Two 56.5 56.1, 56.9 52.4 50.1, 54.8
3+ 28.7 28.2, 29.1 22.6 20.1, 25.3
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Notes:
1
Multiracial group includes people who identify in more than one race category or identified as Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander or American Indian/Alaskan Native.
2
People who reported households of 10 people or more were excluded from analyses, see Methods section.
*p< .05LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 17
ECONOMIC FACTORS
Tables 4 and 6 show economic factors comparing LGBT and straight/cisgender people aged 50– 64
and 65 and older respectively. Overall, LGBT people showed more economic insecurity compared to
straight/cisgender people. They had lower incomes (Figure 4), were more food insecure (Figure 4),
and depended on alternative forms of income and assistance to support themselves. For example,
more LGBT than straight/cisgender older people reported relying on credit cards or loans, savings or
retirement accounts, borrowing money from friends and family, and government nutrition and rental
assistance to supplement their incomes.
Tables 5 and 7 show economic conditions among LGBT people in the two age cohorts by race/
ethnicity. Economic disparity was consistently evident among Black and Hispanic LGBT people
compared to White LGBT people. Across cohorts, Black and Hispanic LGBT people had lower incomes
(Figures 5 and 6), were more food insecure (Figures 5 and 6), and depended on alternative forms
of income and assistance to support themselves compared to White LGBT people. In the 50–64 age
cohort, Multiracial LGBT people had similar outcomes to Black and Hispanic LGBT people and Asian
LGBT had similar outcomes to White LGBT people.
Figure 4. Economic factors and SNAP benefit receipt among adults aged 50–64 and 65 and older, by
sexual and gender identity
Straight/Cisgender LGBT
21%
19%
18%
15% 15%
12%
10%
8%
IncomeLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 18
level and more rented their homes instead of owning them. Fewer LGBT than straight/cisgender
people reported relying on regular income sources like those before the pandemic to meet their daily
spending needs, and instead they relied on credit cards or loans, savings, or retirement, borrowing
money from friends and family, and government nutrition and rental assistance to supplement
their incomes more than straight/cisgender people. Compared to straight/cisgender people, slightly
more LGBT people had trouble paying their energy bill, kept their home at unhealthy or dangerous
temperatures, sometimes or often did not have enough food to eat, received SAP benefits, and
received free food in the last seven days.
Table 4. Economic factors of adults aged 50–64, by sexual and gender identity
STRAIGHT/
LGBT
ECONOMIC FACTORS CISGENDER
(N = 15,210)
(N = 256,741)
% 95% CI % 95% CI Χ2
Household Income 1,336.3*LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 19
STRAIGHT/
LGBT
ECONOMIC FACTORS CISGENDER
(N = 15,210)
(N = 256,741)
% 95% CI % 95% CI Χ2
Is this household currently caught up on rent payments? 124.8
No 17.4 16.6, 18.3 15.5 13.1, 18.2
How confident are you that your household will be able to pay your next rent or mortgage payment on
87.6
time? 2
Not highly confident
34.6 34.0, 35.2 36.9 34.6, 39.2
(Moderately, Slightly, Not at all confident)
In the last 12 months, how many months did your household reduce or forego expenses for basic
175.2*
household necessities, such as medicine or food, in order to pay an energy bill?
1 month or more 30.7 30.3, 31.1 33.8 32.0, 35.5
In the last 12 months, how many months did your household keep your home at a temperature that
171.6*
you felt was unsafe or unhealthy?
1 month or more 19.9 19.5, 20.2 22.5 21.0, 24.0
Getting enough food can also be a problem for some people. In the last 7 days, which of these
230.6*
statements best describes the food eaten in your household?
Sometimes/often not enough to eat 9.1 8.9, 9.4 11.3 10.1, 12.6
During the last 7 days, did you or anyone in your household get free groceries from a food pantry, food
126.8*
bank, church, or other place that helps with free food?
Yes 5.9 5.7, 6.2 7.3 6.3, 8.4
Do you or does anyone in your household receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition
1,330.8*
Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Food Stamp Program?
Yes 12.0 11.7, 12.3 17.9 16.5, 19.5
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Notes:
1
Household income below 100% FPL = Combined household income is at or below 100% of the 2021 FPL and is
dependent on the respondent’s age and HH size, and number of children.51
2
Weeks 34–45 (question was removed starting in week 46) Straight/Cisgender: N = 213,228; LGBT: N = 12,700
*p< .05
Table 5 shows factors associated with economic security by race/ethnicity among LGBT people
between 50–64 years of age. More Hispanic, Black, and Multiracial LGBT adults had incomes in
the lowest range compared to White and Asian LGBT adults and fewer Hispanic and Black LGBT
adults had incomes in the highest range compared to White and Asian LGBT adults. Likewise, more
Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial LGBT adults had household incomes below the federal poverty level
compared to White and Asian LGBT adults (Figure 5). Approximately half of Black and Hispanic LGBT
adults rent rather than own their homes compared to a quarter of White and Asian adults.
51
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Poverty thresholds by size of family and number of children. https://www.census.gov/data/
tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/historical-poverty-thresholds.htmlLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 20
More White LGBT people reported using the same incomes sources they used before the pandemic
to meet their spending needs compared to all other racial groups, though similar proportions report
relying on credit cards or loans and savings or retirement to supplement their incomes. More Black,
Hispanic, and Multiracial LGBT people report relying on borrowed money from friends and family, and
more Hispanic, Asian, and Multiracial LGBT people report relying on stimulus payments compared
to White LGBT people. More Black LGBT people than Hispanic, Asian, or White LGBT people relied on
SNAP benefits, and more Black than White LGBT people relied on unemployment insurance. Compared
to White LGBT people, more Black and Multiracial LGBT people relied on government rental assistance.
With regard to bills and expenses, more Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial LGBT adults had trouble
paying household expenses and had to sacrifice basic necessities in order to pay their energy bill
compared to White and Asian LGBT people. More Black LGBT people were not caught up on rent
compared to all other racial groups, and more Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial LGBT adults were not
confident they would be able to pay their rent/mortgage on time compared to White LGBT people.
More Hispanic and Multiracial LGBT kept the temperature of their homes at an unsafe or unhealthy
level compared to White, Black, and Asian LGBT people.
In terms of food insecurity, more Hispanic, Black, and Multiracial LGBT adults reported not having
enough food to eat compared to White and Asian LGBT adults. More Hispanic and Black LGBT adults
received free food within the last 7 days and more received SNAP benefits compared to White and
Asian LGBT adults. More Black LGBT adults received SNAP benefits compared to all other groups.
Figure 5. Economic status among adults aged 50–64, by race/ethnicity
Aged 50–64
37%
33%
30%
27% 28%
22%
18%
14%
10%
6%
White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial
IncomeLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 21
Table 5. Economic factors of LGBT adults aged 50–64, by race/ethnicity
WHITE HISPANIC BLACK| ASIAN MULTIRACIAL
ECONOMIC FACTORS
(N = 11,792) (N = 1,485) (N = 889) (N = 452) (N = 592)
% % % % %
Χ2
(95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI)
Household Income 3.6*
26.5 43.0 41.0 16.9 39.0LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 22
WHITE HISPANIC BLACK| ASIAN MULTIRACIAL
ECONOMIC FACTORS
(N = 11,792) (N = 1,485) (N = 889) (N = 452) (N = 592)
% % % % %
Χ2
(95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI)
Income sources used to meet spending needs in the last 7 days
2.1 1.8 2.4 3.8 1.8
Child tax credit payment 539.5
(1.7, 2.6) (1.0, 3.0) (1.3, 4.3) (1.7, 8.1) (0.9, 3.4)
2.8 4.8 5.3 2.7 5
School meal debit/EBT 2,817.2
(2.2, 3.7) (2.9, 8.0) (3.4, 8.1) (0.9, 8.0) (2.7, 9.1)
Money saved from
1.9 2.2 2.2 8.3 4.6
deferred/forgiven 6,207.2*
(1.6, 2.4) (1.3, 3.6) (1.3, 3.8) (2.1, 27.0) (2.2, 9.3)
payments
Government rental 1.3 3.6 6.9 1.9 3.4
1.3*
assistance (0.9, 1.8) (1.6, 7.7) (3.9, 11.9) (0.3, 10.7) (1.9, 6.1)
5.7 6.2 6.3 9 11.3
Other 2,541.2
(4.8, 6.6) (3.5, 10.7) (3.8, 10.1) (4.3, 17.8) (7.4, 16.8)
In the last 7 days, how difficult has it been for your household to pay for usual household expenses, including
3.1*
but not limited to food, rent or mortgage, car payments, medical expenses, student loans, and so on?
28.1 47.3 45.7 25 44.8
Somewhat/Very difficult
(26.4, 29.8) (41.1, 53.5) (38.9, 52.7) (16.4, 36.2) (37.7, 52.2)
Is this household currently caught up on rent payments? 2.2*
11.5 15.7 26.5 21 17.7
No
(9.2, 14.2) (10.5, 23.0) (18.3, 36.9) (9.5, 40.0) (9.8, 29.9)
How confident are you that your household will be able to pay your next rent or mortgage payment on time? 2
Not highly confident
29.7 56.1 52.8 37.8 46.1
(Moderately, Slightly, 4.9*
(27.5, 31.9) (48.9, 63.0) (43.8, 61.6) (27.2, 49.6) (36.5, 56.0)
Not at all confident)
In the last 12 months, how many months did your household reduce or forego expenses for basic household necessities,
such as medicine or food, in order to pay an energy bill?
28.6 50.8 43.6 23.2 44.6
1 month or more 3.4*
(26.9, 30.4) (44.8, 56.8) (36.5, 51.0) (16.9, 30.9) (37.2, 52.1)
In the last 12 months, how many months did your household keep your home at a temperature that you felt was unsafe
or unhealthy?
20.1 32.6 21.1 22 30.6
1 month or more 1.2*
(18.6, 21.6) (26.8, 39.0) (16.4, 26.7) (15.6, 30.1) (24.2, 37.9)
Getting enough food can also be a problem for some people. In the last 7 days, which of these statements
3.8*
best describes the food eaten in your household?
Sometimes/often not 8.6 20.7 15 6.3 16.5
enough to eat (7.5, 9.9) (15.9, 26.5) (11.2, 19.9) (3.4, 11.2) (11.4, 23.2)
During the last 7 days, did you or anyone in your household get free groceries from a food pantry, food bank,
2.7*
church, or other place that helps with free food?
4.7 11.7 17.4 3.9 12.2
Yes
(4.1, 5.5) (8.3, 16.2) (11.7, 25.1) (1.2, 11.4) (8.0, 18.3)LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 23
WHITE HISPANIC BLACK| ASIAN MULTIRACIAL
ECONOMIC FACTORS
(N = 11,792) (N = 1,485) (N = 889) (N = 452) (N = 592)
% % % % %
Χ2
(95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI)
Do you or does anyone in your household receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
3.8*
Program (SNAP) or the Food Stamp Program?
14.3 21.7 37.4 5.7 27.6
Yes
(12.9, 15.8) (16.8, 27.6) (30.6, 44.8) (2.9, 10.8) (21.6, 34.7)
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34 – 48), July 2021 - August 2022
Notes:
Multiracial group includes people who identify in more than one race category or identified as Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander or American Indian/Alaskan Native.
1
Household income below 100% FPL = Combined household income is at or below 100% of the 2021 FPL and is
dependent on the respondent’s age and HH size, and number of children.52
2
Weeks 34-45 (question was removed starting in week 46) White: N = 9,849; Hispanic: N = 1,247; Black = 744; Asian: N =
367; Multiracial: N = 493.
*p< .05
LGBT Adults Aged 65 and Older
Table 6 shows factors associated with economic security by sexual orientation and gender identity
among people 65 years of age and older. For this age group, LGBT people and straight/cisgender
people showed similar proportions in each of the income ranges, however more LGBT people had
household incomes that fell below the federal poverty level (Figure 4). Like the 50–64 age group,
compared to straight/cisgender people, more LGBT people rented rather than owned their homes,
relied on credit cards or loans, borrowing money from friends and family, and government nutrition
and rental assistance to supplement their incomes. Additionally, more LGBT people 65 and older,
relied on a stimulus payment and unemployment insurance compared to straight/cisgender
people 65 and older. Approximately, 75%–80% of LGBT and straight/cisgender people reported
relying on regular income sources like those before the pandemic to meet their daily spending
needs. Compared to straight/cisgender people, slightly more LGBT people were not caught up on
their rent, kept their home at unhealthy or dangerous temperatures, and received government
nutritional assistance (SNAP benefits).
52
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Poverty thresholds by size of family and number of children. https://www.census.gov/data/
tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/historical-poverty-thresholds.htmlLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 24
Table 6. Economic factors of adults age 65+, by sexual and gender identity
STRAIGHT/CISGENDER LGBT
ECONOMIC FACTORS
(N = 252,626) (N = 8,602)
% 95% CI % 95% CI Χ2
Household Income 177.2*LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 25
STRAIGHT/CISGENDER LGBT
ECONOMIC FACTORS
(N = 252,626) (N = 8,602)
% 95% CI % 95% CI Χ2
In the last 12 months, how many months did your household keep your home at a temperature that
132.6*
you felt was unsafe or unhealthy?
1 month or more 13.7 13.4, 14.0 16.4 14.5, 18.4
Getting enough food can also be a problem for some people. In the last 7 days, which of these
108.5
statements best describes the food eaten in your household?
Sometimes/often not enough to eat 3.9 3.7, 4.1 5.3 4.1, 6.7
During the last 7 days, did you or anyone in your household get free groceries from a food pantry, food bank,
church, or other place that helps with free food?
Yes 4.6 4.4, 4.8 5.8 4.7, 7.2 77.4*
Do you or does anyone in your household receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition
202.5*
Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Food Stamp Program?
Yes 7.6 7.3, 7.9 10.1 8.5, 12.0
Source: U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey (Weeks 34–48), July 2021–August 2022
Notes:
1
Household income below 100% FPL = Combined household income is at or below 100% of the 2021 FPL and is
dependent on the respondent’s age and HH size, and number of children.53
2
Weeks 34–45 (question was removed starting in week 46) Straight/Cisgender: N = 208,892; LGBT: N = 7,048
* p< .05
Table 7 shows factors associated with economic security among LGBT people 65 years of age or older
by race/ethnicity. More Hispanic, Black, and Multiracial LGBT adults had incomes in the lowest range
compared to White and Asian LGBT adults and fewer Black LGBT adults had incomes in the highest
range compared to White and Asian LGBT adults. Likewise, more Hispanic, Black, and Multiracial LGBT
adults had household incomes below the federal poverty level compared to White LGBT adults. Also,
Black and Hispanic LGBT adults had the highest proportion of renting rather than owning their homes.
Far fewer Hispanic and Black LGBT people aged 65 and older reported using regular incomes
sources like those before the pandemic to meet their spending needs compared to White, Asian, and
Multiracial LGBT people. There were no statistically significant differences across the groups in relying
on credit cards or loans and savings or retirement to supplement their income. More Black LGBT
people reported relying on borrowed money from friends and family, and more Hispanic LGBT people
reported relying on stimulus payments compared to White LGBT people. More Black and Hispanic
LGBT people than White LGBT people relied on SNAP benefits, and more Hispanic than White LGBT
people relied on unemployment insurance. More Asian LGBT people relied on savings from deferred
or forgiven loan payments. Compared to Hispanic LGBT people, more Black LGBT people relied on
government rental assistance.
53
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Poverty thresholds by size of family and number of children. https://www.census.gov/data/
tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/historical-poverty-thresholds.htmlLGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic | 26
With regard to bills and expenses, more Black and Hispanic LGBT adults had trouble paying
household expenses compared to White and Asian LGBT people. More Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial
LGBT adults had to sacrifice basic necessities in order to pay their energy bill compared to White LGBT
people. Compared to White LGBT people, more Black and Hispanic LGBT people were not caught up
on rent, and more Black, Hispanic, and Asian LGBT adults were not confident they’d be able to pay
their rent/mortgage on time. Also, compared to White LGBT adults, more Hispanic and Multiracial
LGBT people kept the temperature of their homes at an unsafe or unhealthy levels.
More Hispanic and Black LGBT adults reported not having enough food to eat, more Hispanic, Black,
and Multiracial LGBT adults received free food within the last 7 days, and more Hispanic LGBT adults
receive SNAP benefits compared to White LGBT people.
Figure 6. Economic status among adults aged 65 and older, by race/ethnicity
Aged 65+
40%
34%
28%
18% 18%
16% 15% 16%
12%
9%
White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial White Hispanic Black Asian Multiracial
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