Riley Callais-Jackson
Research Mentor: Wesley Correll-King
Mentor Department: Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, Other
Author(s): Riley Callais-Jackson, Wesley M. Correll-King, PhD, MPH, M. N. Jordan
Session: Session 7 (4:00 PM – 4:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 40
Abstract
As aging research with transgender and nonbinary (trans) people expands, centering people of color is critical given the known socioeconomic and health inequities impacting this population earlier in the life course. This study sought to explore trans people of color’s experiences of aging past midlife, their service needs, and their perceptions of challenges facing peers within their communities. In 2025, 16 trans older adults of color living in the Midwest participated in semi-structured interviews covering these topics. Participants were mostly Black (n=14) and female/trans women (n=11); ages ranged from 48-77 (median=56). Via reflexive thematic analysis, we developed an overarching theme of “Living beyond expectations” to reflect participants’ descriptions of living to an unforeseen life stage as an openly trans adult. Within, we developed four main themes: (1) “Envisioning unplanned futures” centers participants’ abstract ideas of what their futures hold; (2) “Adapting survival strategies” explores how participants have prioritized safety when navigating societal change, aging-related stressors, and traumatic events; (3) “Pervasive fear in regressive times” discusses how anti-trans political backlash shapes participants’ worries surrounding healthcare, aging, and end-of-life; and (4) “Relational definitions of being ‘an elder'” describes variation in how participants consider identity, time, age, and community role in defining what it means to be a trans elder. Results highlight trans older adults of color’s needs for stable policy protections; structurally and culturally competent case management services for navigating public benefits programs; support around developing financial, legal, and medical plans for the future; and meaningful social connections with trans community members.
