A Narrative and Historical Background of a Septuagenarian Gay Man

Abstract

The sexual orientation and identity development model supports the understanding and counseling of sexual minorities. However, some studies have stated that sexual minorities may not always be understood through linear model because this is complicated by many factors, such as relationships, social-historical contexts, and intersectional identity. Therefore, a diverse understanding of sexual orientations is required to enhance our understanding of sexual minorities. Although an in-depth understanding is discussed in one single case narrative study in Japan, few studies are focused on older people. Therefore, this study aimed to understand sexual minorities by focusing on an individual in Case A, the narrative of a septuagenarian gay man. A method based on sequence analysis was used. This case was characterized by a mixture of positive evaluations and attitudes toward sexual orientation in his negative narratives. For example, he said that it is an “outlaw” way of life and that he was interested in the “thrill” in deciding to come out or not. Intersectionality with other identities, such as senior citizenship, were thought to be an influencing factor. However, in particular, he seemed to have signifıcantly been influenced by Japan's historical background including the “student movement” and the “AIDS Panic.”