Older LGB Adults and Sport-Related Contexts: Discrimination, Evolving Context, Motivations, and Attitudes Toward LGBTQ+ Sports Associations

In recent years, social and research interest in making the context of sports and physical activity (PA) more affirmative and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community has grown. However, the experiences of older LGBTQ+ adults within these settings remain invisible and are characterized by discrimination and barriers to access. Data collection occurred between October 2023 and March 2024. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Italian LGB adults over 65 years (Mage = 70.6), exploring participants’ perspectives on social changes in access to PA and sports contexts and focusing on how LGBTQ+ community belonging may motivate older adults to engage in these settings. Using Thematic Analysis, we identified three themes: 1) Discrimination; 2) Evolving context; and 3) Motivations for joining LGBTQ+ sports associations. Data suggested that older LGB adults still perceived PA and sports contexts as characterized by double stigma. Parallelly, results showed that belonging to LGBTQ+ sports associations and being an activist boosts motivation to participate, fostering socialization and promoting healthy aging. Considering the invisibility that older LGB+ people live in sports-related contexts, it is essential to recognize the critical role LGBTQ+ associations and communities play in supporting the well-being and healthy aging of this marginalized group.