images
of aging
Men who are unwilling to accept middle
age are feminine. Women who easily
accept middle age are masculine. Such
was the contention of that student of such
matters, Theodor Reik.
Lou Boyd
From "The Idaho Statesman'
December 30,1983
by Rosanne King
\
He's 50, slightly paunchy, with thinning
hair and the appearance of carefully
groomed and cultivated affluence. The
straight observer would certainly place him in
the exclusive club of the older, still attractive,
successful businessman, complete with sec
urity and respect from his community. If the
man is gay, however, the reaction of his com
munity to his age, success notwithstanding,
seems almost destined to be a negative one.
The male gay community, obsessed with
youth and beauty, has given us “wrinkle
rooms," "trolls," and "twinkies." The funeral
for the passage of youthful charm begins
long before the gay man dies. Combined with
all the other problems inherent in advancing
age, many gay men are caught in a situation
which leaves them feeling “ useless, worth
less and ignored,” according to one 45-year-
old.
Differences between the Lesbian and gay
male cultures comes into sharp focus in the
study of the communities’ reactions to age.
T hat according to a young gay male, is due
to a primary difference between the men and
women.
Just Out January 20-February 3