Lived Experience of Older Gay Men Who Fathered Children: Implications for Counseling
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Counseling
Date of Award
Fall 2016
Abstract
There are an unknown number of older gay men who fathered children during the mid-1960s to mid-1970s convergence of anti-war and civil rights protests when a strict Western hegemonic masculinity was enforced and homosexuality was pathologized by the medical field. The primary focus of this study is to gain a better understanding of how older gay men made decisions around heterosexual marriage and fathering children. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of older gay men who became fathers as described by each participant. Participants in this study reported varied experiences with coming out to a spouse and children, navigating new family relationships, seeking professional help, their role as a gay grandfather, and the psychosocial developmental stage work they currently are undertaking. Additionally, this study identified different themes that arose from the participant’s stories. Implications of findings are discussed and recommendations are provided.
Advisor
Linda Ball
Subject Categories
Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Patras, Nicholas P., "Lived Experience of Older Gay Men Who Fathered Children: Implications for Counseling" (2016). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 822.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/822
