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What’s Different About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging?
Cathy Croghan, MS, MPH, RNSarah Myott, MSWBarbara Satin, BAJune 21, 2011
http://www.trainingtoserve.org
What is LGB&T• Sexual Orientation• Lesbian/Gay: attracted to same
sex• Bisexual: attracted to either sex
•Gender Identity• Transgender: umbrella term for
non-conventional gender expression
What We’ll Cover1. Introductions2. Overview3. Personal Story4. Scenarios5. Practical Things You Can Do
Overview• Pre-Stonewall (1969)
life experiences
• Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
• Estimated 2.8 million nationwide
Isolation•Live Alone (2X that of total population)•No Life Partner (2X)•No Children (4X)•No Crisis Contact (10X)
Reluctance to Access Services•LGBT elders are 5 times less
likely to access social services than larger population•Tend to wait for crises•Feel need to return to closet•Heterosexuality assumed•Cisgender assumed
Assumptions• Informs programming/service
delivery•Limits language for intake•Limits discussion of
relationships•Limits life reminiscing•Marginalizes/alienates LGB&T
elders
Differences in Aging• Face old age alone• Lack traditional family supports in
times of crisis• Invisible to service providers/policy
makers•Discriminated against because they
are gay or transgender• Shunned because they are old
ScenariosWhat can you do?
Suggestions• Inclusive infrastructure•Welcoming environment •Effective communication•Open-ended questions•Gender-neutral language• Staff & Resident Sensitivity
Training
Contact Information• Training to Serve
www.trainingtoserve.orgCathy Croghan
[email protected] Sarah Myott
[email protected] Barbara Satin
