title: Introduction: special issue on old lesbians: exploring community, relationships, friendship, and well being.
abstract: This introduction begins with memories of homophobia the editors experienced to remind the reader of the general climate old lesbians faced in their younger years. Rationale for studying old lesbians and the relevance of the articles contained in this issue are described. Some different ways old lesbians identify that may affect policy decision and research analysis are included. Early significant research on the topic of old lesbians is noted and suggestions for future research studies are recommended.
authors.affiliation: a Long Beach , California , USA.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raphael
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cruikshank
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D060756:Social Networking; D012944:Social Support
keywords: friendship vs. kinship; identification; old lesbians research