what’s different about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging? cathy croghan, ms, mph, rn...
TRANSCRIPT
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