Aims & Focus
The LGBTQ+ SIG will bring together researchers who are interested in LGBTQ+ topics among older populations. While focussing on the needs and priorities of the SIG members, we are also keen that we orient around the needs and priorities of wider LGBTQ+ communities. To achieve this, we seek to involve and engage with non-academic research partners such as LGBTQ+ charities organisations and experts by experience, as well as academic researchers.
LGBTQ+ ageing research has been developing for several decades and is now increasingly global. The SIG will bring together different researchers both nationally and interactionally who are working on similar topics under the ageing & LGBTQ+ umbrella, promoting networking and collaborations. In addition to this, current world events and changes in legislation are jeopardising the rights that previous generations of LGBTQ+ communities fought to obtain; by providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ research and promoting diversity within the BSG community we aim to strengthen the practice of the BSG and contribute to valuable research and policy development.
As a SIG our research interests will incorporate a broad range of topics, such as: how common experiences of ageing are experienced by LGBTQ+ people and families or how LGBTQ+ people make and shape their lives in older age. Further considerations include the formation and evolution of LGBTQ+ identities in older age; impact of legislative changes, health and social care provision and societal attitudes; and the significance of “elders” for younger LGBTQ+ people – the emergence of visible older generations of LGBTQ+ people, many of whom continue to be pathbreakers and pioneers, as they have been throughout their lives. The SIG will have a global scope, inclusive of research in countries and settings where LGBTQ+ people are stigmatised or outlawed, as well as those which appear to be more inclusive. The SIG will be a welcoming and protected space for all LGBTQ+ identities, including trans communities. In addition, it will be a safe space for LGBTQ+ identifying researchers to network, as even those not actively involved in LGBTQ+ research may have an interest in keeping up to date with what research is happening among the community and want to get involved at a later date.
Our current members
- ©Dr Lisa Davison (they/them), University of Stirling
- ©Prof. Andy King (he/him), University of Surrey
- ©Dr Amy Prescott (she/her), Brunel University London
- ©Emilie McSwiggan (she/they), Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh
- ©Kayla Ostrishko (she/they), Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh
- ©Frankie McKittrick (he/him), University of Stirling
- ©Dr Mike Thomas (he/him), Brunel University London
- ©Dr Diana Teggi (she/her), University of Bath
Joining the SIG
If you’re interested in hearing more and signing up to our mailing list (bsg-lgbtq@britishgerontology.org) please complete the following form: https://forms.office.com/e/VUBkTXwUd5
Opportunities and events
The LGBTQ+ SIG will hold our first annual meeting/symposium at the BSG 2025 Conference in Surrey. Please join our mailing list for more information and follow us on social media: BSG LGBTQ+ SIG (@bsg-lgbtq.bsky.social) — Bluesky