Affirming Healthcare Experiences Among Older Black- and White-Identifying Gay Men Living With Serious Illness: A Qualitative Study in the Deep South

Korijna Valenti, Michael Barnett, Stacy Smallwood, Ronit Elk, Division of Gerontology, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Four Seasons Hospice, Flat Rock, Center for Palliative , Supportive Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Faith COMPASS Coordinating Center, School of Divinity, Wake Forest University, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®

Published online on October 03, 2025

Abstract

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, Ahead of Print.
Background:Older gay men living with serious illness often face challenges related to identity, disclosure, and relational recognition in healthcare settings. These challenges are particularly acute in the Deep South, where affirming care remains ...