: Women now in their 70s, 80s, and 90s navigated a world of rigid gender roles before the gay and women's liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s.
: A central pillar of mature lesbian life is the "chosen family"—networks of friends and ex-partners who provide the emotional and physical support typically expected from biological kin. mature lesbo
: For many, the act of "coming out" was a radical departure from societal norms, though others maintained "hidden" lives to avoid discrimination in housing or employment. : Women now in their 70s, 80s, and
Because older lesbians are statistically more likely to be single, live alone, or be childless compared to heterosexual peers, they have pioneered alternative support structures. : Women now in their 70s