Abstract:
Elderly individuals are often overlooked in the discussions
and studies on LGBTQ experiences and issues. While aging in itself
comes with challenges, aging as a part of the sexual minority
presents a unique set of difficulties. There is a lack of
literature focusing in the lives and experiences of queer elderly,
especially in the Philippines. The study aims to document the life
story of the senior drag queens from the Home for the Golden Gays,
to understand what being a drag queen means to them, and to
identify the challenges and benefits they face. Using a life history
approach, data was collected through in depth-interviews. Two (2)
informants who were elderly Filipino drag queens from the Home for
the Golden Gays were interviewed for the study. Informants’
narratives were recorded with consent, transcribed, and then
analyzed thematically. The Feminism and Age Relations theory, as
well as the Life Course Theory were used as the theoretical
framework for analysis. The results of the study showed that the
informants had both experienced hiding their sexuality during
their childhood. The data also showed that their adolescent years
were a period of self exploration and expression. The narratives
also showed their experiences before becoming a member of the Home
for the Golden Gays. Challenges such as the lack of a source of
regular income as well as a permanent and spacious house also
emerged from the data. Analysis of the data also showed the
benefits of being part of the Golden Gays such as having a support
system, a home, and the positive emotions brought by performing in
drag.
