In addition to such historical differences that influence perceptions among LGBT older adults, differences among lesbians, gay men, bisexual men and women, and transgender older adults themselves obviously exist. Lesbian, for example, report a “triple threat” of insignificance due to combined marginalization from heterosexism, sexism, and ageism; and this could be a quadruple threat of social insignificance if one is a person of color or has other “unfavorable” societal attributes.
LGBT older adults face significant health disparities, even after controlling for income, educational level, and age. Almost half of LGBT older adults have a disability, defined as the need for specialized equipment or physical activity limitations. Nearly two thirds of transgender older adults experience disability compared to half of lesbian and bisexual men and women. Gay men had the lowest rates of disability at 41%. Obesity is a significant problem for many LGBT older adults as well. Forty percent of transgender older adults are obese. Lesbians and bisexual women have the same rates of obesity, 34%. The obesity rates for gay men and bisexual men are also similar, 19% and 18%, respectively.