Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Widows' Experiences of Grief, Identity, and Support: A Qualitative Study of Relationships Following the Loss of a Spouse or Partner.

This article examines the bereavement experiences of older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) women widows, focusing on how spousal loss affects their familial relationships, support networks, and sense of self. Using Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) as a framework, the qualitative study involved semistructured interviews with 16 LGB women aged 60–85 across the United States who had lost a spouse or partner within five years. Findings reveal that while LGB widows share some grief experiences with heterosexual widows, they often face varying levels of acceptance and support from biological families, experience the disappearance or rallying of family and friends, and frequently rely on chosen families and expanded LGB communities to foster resilience and identity reconstruction. The study highlights the unique challenges of disenfranchised grief, social isolation, and family tensions in this population, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive support and advocacy tailored to the distinct relational dynamics of older LGB widows.