Odd to say that gay has been “replaced” by sad and lonely. Aging, queer and partnerless, in a hostile, homophobic environment would most certainly exacerbate a person’s level of sadness and loneliness.

Yes, the octogenarian’s liberated gay lifestyle is a relic of the past. Maybe, for his own protection, he’s gone back into the closet. But his identity and sexual orientation remains an essential part of who he is and will always be. That hasn’t been replaced. Right?