The Aging Process and Lesbian Sociability Networks in the City of Belo Horizonte, MG, between the 1970s and 2000s: the power of friendship bonds materializing in health

a potência dos vínculos de amizade se materializando em saúde

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of support networks and social bonds for elderly lesbians, examining how these social connections positively impact their quality of life and help them overcome health, loneliness, and discrimination-related challenges. The study is based on data and narratives collected from 21 lesbians aged over 60, who were part of different groups, such as Vila Sésamo in their youth and the current Confraria in their old age. The stories of these women demonstrate the significance of friendship bonds in their health and well-being, especially when compared to socially isolated interviewees. In addition to the Vila Sésamo and Confraria groups, the article mentions two other groups of women born between the 1930s and 1960s, who owned bars and frequented homosexual spaces in Belo Horizonte. While the main focus is on the experiences of the "confreiras," the accounts from the other groups are used for comparison. The research employs in-depth interviews and the "snowball" technique to select participants, with interviews conducted until information saturation is reached. In its conclusions, the article emphasizes the importance of social ties and support networks for the health and well-being of elderly lesbians, providing valuable insights into these women's experiences throughout their lives. This contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of aging in a more diverse society and underscores the need to include the experiences and needs of elderly lesbians in discussions about aging and well-being, amplifying the voice of this community.