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What’s Different About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging?. Cathy Croghan, MS, MPH, RN Sarah Myott, MSW Barbara Satin, BA. June 21, 2011. info@trainingtoserve.org http:// www.trainingtoserve.org. What is LGB&T. Sexual Orientation Lesbian/Gay: attracted to same sex
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What’s Different About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging? Cathy Croghan, MS, MPH, RN Sarah Myott, MSW Barbara Satin, BA June 21, 2011 info@trainingtoserve.org 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 Cover Introductions Overview Personal Story Scenarios 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
Scenarios What 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.org Cathy Croghan cathy@trainingtoserve.org Sarah Myott sarah.m.myott@state.mn.us Barbara Satin barbsatin@aol.com