The social invisibility of aging lesbians is a major obstacle to the adaptation of residential services to their needs. After looking at the difficulties associated with aging among lesbians, this article examines social mechanisms that reproduce their invisibility. Findings are based on a qualitative analysis of two series of interviews, 10 with service providers in private residences for older people and 10 with aging lesbians. On one side, there is openness at the level of personal attitudes, but proactive commitment in residence management and knowledge about older lesbians' psychosocial needs are lacking. On the other side, aging lesbians perceive residences as an environment where they would not feel secure enough to be open about their sexual orientation.
Age Factors Aged