Entendida, sapatão, lésbica: trajetórias de lésbicas 50+ em metrópoles do sudeste brasileiro

Abstract

The life trajectories of middle-aged and elderly lesbians present continuities in relation to the generation that preceded them and discontinuities/ruptures due to different social and historical conditions. Each generation of these women contains specific markers regarding discovery, visibility, and ways of experiencing sexuality. This study aims to understand the life trajectory of lesbians over 50 years old - adults and elderly women with life experience in metropolitan areas of the Southeast. This is qualitative research with a cross-sectional design using the life history technique. Seven women were interviewed who identified as lesbian women, from two age groups: (a) 50 to 55 years old and (b) 70 to 75 years old, consisting of 4 elderly and 3 adult women. The following instruments were applied: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Brazil Economic Classification Criteria (ABEP), Thematic guide - life history, and Analysis of photographs selected by the participants themselves as representative of their life trajectory. Data collection was conducted through in-person or remote interview sessions, with 2 to 4 meetings held with each participant. Participants were instructed to speak freely based on guiding questions about their life context and development throughout childhood, youth, maturity, and old age. The interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's Reflexive Thematic Analysis framework, and 11 main themes were identified: (1) historical context and changes; (2) family influence; (3) romantic and sexual relationships with men as lesbians; (4) experiencing lesbophobic violence; (5) forms of freedom; (6) coming out of the closet; (7) sociability and support during life; (8) relating romantically and sexually with women; (9) mothering; (10) aging; and (11) lesbianities from lesbians. It was concluded that the life trajectories of lesbian women over 50 years old present generational continuities related to the importance of family relationships and religious influence, while discontinuities are manifested mainly in the ways of experiencing lesbianism, influenced by the historical context of each generation. The findings contribute to understanding the specificities of lesbian aging in the Brazilian context.