I am beginning the process of analyzing the results from the initial survey. Thank you for those of you who participated.

There were 131 respondents from 29 states in the U.S., Canada, India and Denmark. This represents a larger geographic region than many other studies done previously.

Average age of the resondents was just over 60 years of age, which is an older group than earlier studies. Ages ranged from 34 years of age to 91 years.

Like similar studies, the respondents were primarily Caucasian, well educated and relatively affluent.

The participants are diverse ethnically, religiously and politically and are socially connected with their own age group as well as will younger men. Many have been in long term relationships, with women and/or men.

A large percent have been in the military and completed a successful tour of duty.

Although “gay politics” often demand a clear statement of gay identity, the coming our process for older men often follows a different course than usually is described for younger men.

As men grow older, they are often more likely to define themselves a exclusively homosexual, although many men in the study do not make a public acknowlegement of this.

Because of the Internet, men no longer find it necessary to move to urban areas to develop a sense of community with other like-minded men.

Computer video technology will be used to complete some of the biographical interviews.

As a mature gay man, or someone who admires them, your experience is important and a largely neglected part of gay culture. Much of the social research on the gay community has focused on the young, urban American gay male, and largely ignores the tremendous diversity within the gay community.

During the next few years, an estimated 2 million or more gay people will move into the generation of seniors. Very little is available in the literature which describes these people and addresses issues facing this community.

The picture of a sexually active, mature gay man goes against many stereotypes in our culture. In addition, the fact that there are many younger men who are mature men attractive contradicts many of the stereotypes that the gay community shares with the larger society.

I am currently working on a presentation and a book. This will allow mature gay men and their admirers an opportunity to share their experiences. I am hopeful that you might be interested in contributing to this cultural research by talking about your experiences.

This will be accomplished through a series of interviews. An on-line survey has been completed, and the results are being analyzed now.

I am a mature gay male psychiatrist and I have lived in a partnered relationship with a younger gay man for 21 years. I am a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and past president of the Iowa Psychiatric Society. I am also an award winning writer and editor.

In order to assure you of my sincerity and honorable intentions, I would be happy to share with you my resume. I hope that you will be interested at least in discussing this with me further. Your anonymity is guaranteed if desired.