title: Coming out narratives of older gay men living in New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Explore the coming out narratives in a group of older gay men.
  
  
  METHODS
  A narrative gerontological approach was employed to explore the coming out narratives of older gay men. Semi-structured digitally recorded individual interviews were undertaken with 12 gay men aged between 65 and 81 years who lived in the community. Data were analysed using a narrative data analytic process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three collective narratives related to the coming out of older gay men were identified: 'early gay experiences', 'trying not to be gay' and 'acceptance'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older gay men come from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds. However, they all grew up in an era where same-sex attraction was a criminal offence. The path to accepting being a gay man was individualised and stressful for these participants. Consequently health and social service providers need to support the ongoing development of resilience and provide a person-centred approach to care that promotes wellbeing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neville
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Massey University, Albany Campus, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Bernie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kushner
authors.affiliation: SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, Massey University, Albany Campus, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jeffery
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D063509:Homophobia / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D009520:New Zealand; D011639:Public Opinion; D011788:Quality of Life; D012650:Self Disclosure
keywords: gay; gerontology; identity; older gay men; sexuality