Date of Conferral

1-22-2026

Date of Award

January 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Chet Lesniak

Abstract

Existing research lacks examination of the interplay between life histories and gay identities within the Generation Jones cohort, hindering our understanding of how individuals navigated the challenges of aging Specifically, we lack understanding of how identity formation, stigma, and historical trauma in light of sociocultural events—including the criminalization of homosexuality, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the rise of digital connectivity—shaped self-concept, relationships, and resilience. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of gay men in the Generation Jones cohort, defined as those born between 1954 and 1965. Grounded in social identity theory, it asked how gay men in this cohort experienced identity development amid shifting social and legal contexts. Twelve U.S.-based participants aged 60 and older were recruited from a national online community. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and thematically coded, producing ten themes: aging and isolation, the AIDS crisis legacy, internalized stigma and self-acceptance, intergenerational disconnect, healthcare disparities, digital disconnection, geographic and socioeconomic mobility, chosen family and belonging, intersectionality, and resilience with cultural stewardship. These findings deepen understanding of generational identity, LGBTQ+ aging, and the interplay of social and historical forces, offering implications for social change through culturally competent mental health care, social programs, and inclusive policy development.

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