Determining Whether the Built Environment Affects Social Isolation in Queer Older Adults Living in the Suburbs

The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the ways in which the built environment influences the amount of social isolation felt by LGBTQ2+, or queer, older adults. Through a process of trial and error, this paper evolved from a qualitative study, interviewing queer older adults in their suburban homes, to a comprehensive review of the existing literature. In doing so, the gaps and inadequacies of the existing literature illuminates the reason why it is important to study the built environment and its effects on queer older adults. By studying how the built environment affects queer older adults who are ageing-in-place, a greater conversation on how the built environment affects all of us. A majority of the research has been quantitative in nature, dehumanizing the realities of those suffering from social isolation. This paper, through process, become a steppingstone towards enabling future, qualitative, research regarding the effects of the built environment on socially isolated queer adults, as well as other vulnerable demographics.