Research examining LGBTQIA+ aging has become increasingly important within public health due to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by this diverse population. Despite progress in the field, substantial gaps remain regarding how social determinants shape health outcomes among LGBTQIA+ older adults—especially within underrepresented groups such as racially minoritized, transgender, intersex, and rural communities. Traditional aging and public health services may not always align with the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, sometimes creating barriers to equitable health and wellbeing. Moreover, recent sociopolitical developments—including rollbacks of essential rights and services—intensify these barriers while simultaneously driving the need for innovative solutions, policies, and community-led resistance strategies.
This Research Topic seeks to gather original research and reviews that advance our understanding of health disparities and social drivers of health among LGBTQIA+ older adults across diverse global and disciplinary perspectives. The aim is to highlight both the ongoing challenges and emerging opportunities for promoting equitable health, resilience, and wellbeing within LGBTQIA+ aging communities. By exploring new empirical findings, theoretical developments, and promising interventions, this collection will contribute to informed, intersectional approaches that improve services, policies, and health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ older adults.
To further explore this critical area, we invite articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: • Theoretical frameworks and conceptual models of health disparities and social drivers of health in LGBTQIA+ aging • Diverse methodological approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, historical/archival, systematic reviews, policy analyses, and clinical trials • Epidemiological analyses of health disparities and social drivers of health among LGBTQIA+ older adults • Evaluation of existing programs, services, and policies and their effectiveness in promoting health equity • Strategies of resilience and resistance amidst structural and sociopolitical challenges • Intersectional analyses focusing on underrepresented subgroups within the LGBTQIA+ aging population • Innovative interventions designed to improve health outcomes and wellbeing among LGBTQIA+ older adults.
By bringing together this research, the Topic aims to inform equitable and effective public health practices, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ older adults have access to positive health, wellbeing, and social support as they age.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Clinical Trial
Community Case Study
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Clinical Trial
Community Case Study
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Policy and Practice Reviews
Policy Brief
Review
Study Protocol
Systematic Review
Keywords: LGBTQIA+ aging, Health disparities, Social determinants of health, Intersectionality, Health equity, Resilience
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
