QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ELDERLY TRANS MEN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THEIR SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS

Quality of life (QoL) is a fundamental construct for the social understanding of collective Populations around the world are increasingly aging. However, stereotypes about old age remain, especially about LGBT elderly people, such as trans men. Thus, this research aims to learn about the social representations of LGBTQIA+ old age and quality of life during the covid-19 pandemic among elderly trans men. In total, 9 elderly and/or middle-aged people of trans male identity participated, with a mean age of 53.8 years old (SD=3.01). This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study with cross-sectional data and a non-probabilistic sample. Data was collected using two instruments: a sociodemographic questionnaire (analyzed in SPSS for Windows using descriptive frequency statistics) and a semi-structured interview, analyzed in IRAMUTEQ using the Descending Hierarchical Classification. The results showed that the representations were linked to the need for basic aspects of life, such as food, income and housing; the consequences that the lack of affection causes in the lives of these people, causing contexts of loneliness; and how prejudice is the main limitation of opportunities for survival and existence of these individuals. Based on the findings, the aim is to contribute to demystifying aspects related to the lives of elderly trans people, such as quality of life. It is hoped to help ensure that this construct is increasingly present in the lives of these people, by seeking, maintaining and living beyond the basic issues of human life, providing a network of support and inclusion for the public studied.