title: Older Gay Men and Their Support Convoys.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We used the convoy model and the network type construct to identify the relationship quality profiles found among older gay men and to examine how they define a satisfactory network.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a network mapping strategy and in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 participants in Atlanta. During the interviews, all network members were discussed, regardless of relationship or map position.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For participants, having people in their lives with whom they could fully be "out" as gay men (authenticity) was at the root of a quality network. This allowed them to develop emotional closeness (intimacy), which, in part, provided a foundation of social support. Participants' discussion of network quality, which reflected authenticity, intimacy, and social support, revealed high, moderate, and low quality network types.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings diversify knowledge of the network type construct, provide a deeper understanding of its qualitative features, and give voice to this often-invisible group, situating meaning within their social-historical context. The findings suggest that the meaning of a quality network is contextual and culturally specific, varying across groups of older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology, Central Washington University, Ellensburg. Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta.
authors.forename: Griff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tester
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology, Central Washington University, Ellensburg. Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta.
authors.forename: Eric R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Aging; Convoys; Older gay men; Social network types