LGBT Elders, The Reality

In the society that we live in, the majority of the “groups” are marginalized in some way. What we don’t often think about is that older people are actually a severely marginalized group. They are considered a subordinate group and suffer from so much pain, discrimination, poverty, lack of adequate employment, inferior health care and inadequate housing. (Mullaly 2007). One of the most marginalized groups of older people would be those who identify as queer. Queer people have experienced discrimination in many situations but health services in the past have been denied due to their sexual orientation. (Brotman, Ryan, Cormier. 2003)

                Today’s health care continues to be discriminatory towards gay and lesbian elders, the majority of the elders have suffered through harsh situations while growing up before the “modern day gay liberation movement.” (Brotman, et al. 2003) With a past in a hostile environment, it is no wonder that these elders feel immense amounts of stigma and shame which often leads them to hide their own identity in fear of being discriminated against or having basic rights withheld. (Brotman, et al. 2003)  In a study on caregivers of gay and lesbian seniors, they discovered that there was a general anticipation for discrimination, difficult coming out processes, important role of caregivers and supports. (Ryan, Brotman, Collins, Chamberland, Cormier, Julien, Meyer, Peterkin, Richard 2007) They also found that most caregivers of the seniors were partners, neighbours, someone they already knew and those “caregivers” could not find any supports or groups for themselves never mind for the senior. Most of which didn’t identify as a caregiver simply seeing the care giving as an extension of their love and their role as child, spouse, friend, etc. (Ryan, et al 2007) Their relationships with their gay or lesbian elder and their view on care giving was similar and almost the exact same as those who are taking care of heterosexual elders.  

                I realize that this is not a subject we think about on a daily basis, but why does it escape our minds altogether? These elders are part of a horrible and great history and I think they are very strong for getting through the things they have. In today’s society, we’re a lot more progressive than we used to be but we’ve still got a long ways to go. It’s my hope that we don’t forget about groups like the gay and lesbian elders who are suffering from extreme stress and still feeling as though they are completely insignificant when they are the reminder of why we changed in the first place. I believe it is our job to make a difference, we are the generation that are making the world for our children and ourselves, why not make it a good one?

Belinda

References:

Brotman, S., Ryan, B., Collins, S. The Health and Social Service Needs of Gay and Lesbian Elders and Their Families in Canada. The Gerontological Society, 43(2), 192-202. Doi: 10.1093/geront/43.2.192

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Brotman, S., Ryan, B., Collins, S., Chamberland, L., Cormier, R., Julien, D., Meyer, E., Peterkin, A., Richard, B. (2007) Coming Out To Care: Caregivers of Gay and Lesbian Seniors in Canada. The Gerontological Society of America, 47(4), 490-503. Doi: 10.1093/geront/47.4.490

Mullaly, R. (2007). The new structural social work (3rd Ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford

 University Press.