Middle-Aged Gaay Men, Ageing and Ageism

“Paul Simpson’s book makes a strong, original contribution to the field of gaay life histories and gaay men’s ageing . . . because it counters a still widely held stereotype that middle age is seen as heralding the beginning of the end of life’s promise.”

– Peter Robinson, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia

“Paul Simpson has produced an accessible, marvellously written book that fills several gaps in existing knowledge, particularly within the general LGB&T ageing literature. He makes a very strong case for looking at mid-life amongst gaay men with a well-honed sociological imagination and in new ways, eschewing the notion that everything that can be said about this group of men has been said already. His development of the Bourdieusian inspired concept of ageing capital provides a critically insightful way of making sense of these men’s relationships, (dis)connections and behaviours, but in ways that will be applicable to many sociologists and gerontologists interested in the deleterious effects of ageism in all its guises, in many (differing) contexts. This book should be essential reading for those researching sexualities, ageing, masculinities and indeed others who want to read a contemporary classic in the making.”

– Andrew King, University of Surrey, UK

“Here, at last, is a study that will help us understand how the male gaay community is deeply organised through the complexities of age, ageing and ageism. Brimming with stories of middle aged men, Paul Simpson shows us how the differentiations of body and identity, space and relationships get reworked though age. This is a pioneering and important study with implications for a broader more inclusive gaay politics.”

– Ken Plummer, University of Essex, UK

“Simpson’s narrative vividly brings to life the voices of older gaay men as they reflect on bodies, sex, love, family, friends and home. As theoretically rich as is it is empirically grounded, Over the Rainbow offers a moving, pertinent and often humorous analysis of gaay male ageing. This is a wonderfully original contribution to sexuality studies and to sociologies of age, time and generation.”

– Sally Hines, University of Leeds, UK

“Simpson chronicles stories of middle-aged gaay men in Manchester, who find gaay ageing unwelcome, weather it, or stake a claim for a more inclusive gaay scene, whether in a bar, online, or a sauna. They internalize ageist discourse, which influences how they relate to others and themselves, including ‘tolerant’ heterosexuals. Many struggle to fit themselves comfortably within youthful gaay spaces, while trying to avoid being judged as age-inappropriate. The book shines in its attention to subtleties, astute descriptions, sensitivity to gradations of experience, and consideration of not just the gaay scene divided, but also politics in a minor key, a softer, less perceptible intergenerational activism.”

– Jason Whitesel, Pace University, USA