"We need to take action"...

“Every year in this country, 300 kids take their own lives,” claims Rick Mercer, in a passionate and thought provoking segment on his show, The Rick Mercer Report that aired in October and then subsequently went viral on the web.  “And this past week one of those kids was Jamie Hubley. He was 15, he was depressed and he happened to be gay.”  The young man that Rick Mercer is referring to is Jamie Hubley of Ottawa, Ontario.  In mid-October, 15 year old Hubley, who was openly gay, took his own life after years of torment and abuse that he had suffered at the hands of his classmates.  His father said that his son had suffered from depression (CBCNews.ca, 2011).  Jamie’s story is a heartbreaking one that has received much publicity.  Unfortunately, his situation is not uncommon among teens, and he is certainly not the first to have taken such extreme measures to end his suffering.  Adolescence, as I’m sure most of us can recall, is an emotionally turbulent and confusing time in our lives.  We were sensitive to our environments and vulnerable to many societal influences, especially our peers and loved ones.   It only makes sense that a mental condition such as depression would perpetuate one’s need to isolate themselves when they don’t feel accepted by society or amongst their peers.  Depression is a common condition among teens, though it’s often brushed off as typical teenaged apathy or chaos.  It’s also important to acknowledge the link between depression and suicide. It’s been noted that 80% of all suicides are committed by people who are depressed (Canada.com, Body&Health,2011).  It is the leading cause of death among adolescents, and LGBTTQ* youth are more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers (Canada.com, Body&Health, 2011).  One research report indicates that LGBTTQ* teens are “are 3 times more likely to report a history of suicidality and more than twice as likely to report symptoms of depression than their heterosexual counterparts” (Medscape Medical News, 2011).  

Another study suggests that the link between suicidality and depression within LGBTTQ* populations is not only an issue for adolescents.  It concludes that suicidal thoughts and behaviours are also a risk for people in their mid-twenties and that there’s an association between suicidal ideation and disclosure of one’s LGBTTQ* identity to immediate family (Igartua, Gill,Montoro, 2003). 

Another study, which emphasizes the importance of sexual support and how it relates to mental health, suggests that high levels of sexual support results in decreased amounts of emotional distress (Doty, Willoughby, Lindahl, & Malik, 2010). The study also suggest that support for sexual stress for LGB youth was less available from family and heretosexual friends and more available from sexual minority friends. This is relevent because the need for support at a young and vulnerable age is especially important and contributes to the stablilty and well-being of an adolescent who is struggling with his or her identity, and as Mercer states in the video above, in order to estabish a support network for teens who are struggling with their sexual identities, members of the LGBTTQ* community should not be invisible anymore.

Unfortunately, for many young people, bullying and homophobia doesn’t stop after High School.  One particular study in the UK has found that is still an existing problem on university campuses.  It reported that more than half of LQBTTQ* students avoided or purposely concealed their identities out of fear of being negatively targeting or discriminated against (Ellis, 2009)

Depression is known to be a biological condition that is triggered by chemical imbalances in the brain, causing individuals to have feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and sadness, as well as reduced energy and motivation.  However, we cannot deny the fact that our environment has a huge impact on our mood and general well-being and when both a negative environment and a mood disorder become a combined issue for a person, their situation becomes much more complicated and difficult.  When these issues are placed on the shoulders of a teen who is dealing with the turmoil of adolescence, who may be experiencing bullying, and who is trying to come to terms with their own identities and wondering if they’ll still be accepted, one can only imagine the hell they’re going through.  We, as a society need to acknowledge it and take action. As Rick Mercer said, “It’s no longer good enough for us to tell kids that are different that it’s going to get better; we have to make it better NOW.”  No doubt.

-          Julia

References:

Adolescent Suicides, (2011), Canada.com, Body and Health, Retrieved Nov. 22^nd, 2011 from: http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=135&channel_id=9&relation_id=10860

Cassels, Caroline, (April 7^th,2011). ‘Striking’ risk for suicidality, depression in gay teens, Medscape Medical News, Psychiatry, Retrieved Nov. 22^nd,2011 from: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/740429

CBCNewStaff, (Oct 20, 2001). Gay Ottawa teen mourned at packed church. CBC News, CBC.ca Retrieved Nov. 22^nd,2011 from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2011/10/20/ottawa-hubley-funeral.html

Doty, N.D.,Willoughby, B.L.B., Lindahl, K.M., & Malik, N.M. (2010). Sexuality related social support among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(10), 1134-1147.

Ellis, S.J. (2009). Diversity and inclusivity at university: a survey of the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) students in the UK. Higher Education, 57(6), 723-39.

Igartua, K.J., Gill, K., Montoro, R. (2003). Internalized homophobia: a factor in depression, anxiety, and suicide in the gay and lesbian population. The Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, Vol.22, Iss.2, Pg.15

Keep the LGBT Youth Alive!

Bullying affects everyone, it hurts everyone. How many people do you think suffer from bullying in our schools? I am going to guess that during the 13 years of schooling, at one point or another you will or have been bullied. It is more common than people would like to think, something you may not consider to be bullying could be bullying to the person you said or did it to. That bullying can lead to many disorders, disorders such as anxiety, depression, bulimia and anorexia. For youth who identify as LGBT or do not appear to act or dress with hegemonic masculinity or emphasized femininity, get bullied often and throughout the school years. The impact on those children and youth is tremendous. Bullying is a more legal form of oppression, as Mullaly states “oppression at the personal level comprises those thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours that depict a negative prejudgement of a particular subordinate group.” Isn’t that what they’re doing?

                In my experience, when I told friends in high school that I was bisexual, they were okay with it, some even disclosed that they were “experimenting”. Although, at some point, everyone in the school knew yet no one made fun of me or bullied me. On the other hand, I have a friend who was a part of the LGBT group and was consistently called a “dyke” or “fag”. She developed some really horrible mental illnesses due to the constant teasing. According to Crisp and McCave (2007), challenges the LGBT youth will or can possibly face, include coming out or disclosure, mental health and substance abuse issues, sexuality and sexually transmitted infections, harassment and violence. For the LGBT youth, the majority have suffered deeply due to other people’s prejudgements and horrible ridiculing. As said by MacDonald (2006), “One of the most serious and tragic consequences of the lack of adequate social support is the disproportionately high rate of suicide and attempted suicide for young lesbians, gays and bisexuals, a factor recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada.” So in other words, the youth in the LGBT group, are extremely affected by mental illness and are committing or attempting suicide more than heterosexual youth and we haven’t done enough to change that.

                I believe we need to provide more opportunity for social programs that are specific to LGBT youth, we need to lower if not eradicate the extremely high rate of suicide and attempted suicide. Crisp and McCave (2007) said that, “when gay-straight alliances are presented in schools, LGBT students felt safer, there was less harassment and bullying, increased attendance as well as an increased sense of belonging.” I think we should try to achieve that in all schools across Canada. Mental illness can be biological sometimes, but in some and in the cases of the LGBT that are constantly bullied, it isn’t just biological, it’s societal. 

          I have added a video, that has some shocking statistics and remembers a few of the LGBT teens who have committed suicide, and made it to the news. Imagine all the ones, that didn't.

Belinda

References:

Crisp, Catherine., McCave, Emily L. (2007). Gay Affirmative Practice: A Model for Social Work Practice with Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth.Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 24(4). 403-421. Doi: 10.1007/s10560-007-0091-z

MacDonald, Sean.  (2006). Acknowledging the Rainbow: The Need for the Legitimization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in Canadian Schools. Education Law Journal, 16(2), 183-218.  Retrieved from CBCA Complete. (Document ID: 1183590171).

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

 University Press.

Gay & Gray

As the “baby boomer” generation grows older, there is an increased need for health care providers to care of their needs. The aging of our Canadian population also includes the aging of a generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, two-spirited and queer individuals. LGBTTQ* individuals face a number of challenges as they age as described below, the institutionalization of heterosexism has made it difficult for LGBTTQ* elders to get the needs and social services they deserve.

       "They often do not have access to adequate health care, affordable housing and other social services that they need due to institutionalized heterosexism and transphobia”  Mainstream senior providers have limited information or training in how to appropriately work with and serve our diverse communities. Existing regulations and proposed policy changes in programs like Social Security or Medicare, which impact millions of LGBT elders, are discussed without LGBTTQ* views and interests as part of the debate” (Young,2011) .

         The inequality facing LGBT older adults is rooted in the effects of our societies social stigmas and prejudice attached to aging. “In part this ageism is obviously the product of a market-driven economy for which youth is so heavily commodified. Fear of progressive decay and eventual death is also a natural reaction to getting older”(Renaldi,2005). Not only do LGBTTQ* elders have the stigma of being seniors, but also the stigma of identifying as non-heterosexual. Often the stigma alone of being queer keeps the elderly out of retirement homes and those that do get in are often shunned and treated with disrespect.

        Let’s not forget that many LGBTTQ* elders came from a period where homosexuality was considered deviant and even a mental illness for a very long period of time.  Therefore it comes as no surprise that “for elderly lesbians and gay men, the fear is even greater because they are forced to depend on networks and social institutions that have traditionally been known to be intolerant of them” (Senior site,2011). Often seniors who are open about their sexual orientation in their daily lives withhold this information from their healthcare provider, because they are worried the health care provider will chose not to help them.

There are many programs available to the LGBTTQ* seniors here in Canada, examples are Windsor pride community, GLARP, 50 plus, ,OLOC and many more programs offering help to the elderly LGBTTQ*. These organization are dedicated to ensuring that LGBTTQ* elders have equal access to the benefits, protections, services and institutions that they are entitled to. Although there are such wonderful programs for these individuals, there are still no policies aimed to better the LGBTTQ * elderly, which is why we need to advocate for equality for the marginalised to ensure the LGBTTQ* elders get the needs they deserve. These are their last years with us, let’s make them count!   

-Brigitte Tetrault

References

Renaldi, R. (2005). Gay and lesbian elderly. Retrieved from: http://www.renaldi.com/portfolio/elderly1.html

Gay seniors face stigma . (n.d.). Senior site- sex & seniors . Retrieved November 11, 1920, from www.seniorsite.com/sex/gay_seniors_face_stigma.asp

Woolf, L. (n.d.). Gay and Lesbian Aging. Webster University. Retrieved November 20, 2011, from http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/oldergay.html

Young , Laurie . "Aging | TaskForce." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force | building LGBT political power from the ground up. The Task Force, n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. <http://www.thetaskforce.org/issues/aging

Come one, come all.

I was not only troubled but also astonished when I read an article in The Canadian Press which read  “Citizenship and immigration Minister Jason Kenney has removed any reference to gay rights in a new study guide for immigrants applying for Canadian citizenship” (Beeby,2010,p.1).  That is to say, the 63 page guide contains absolutely no information on gay and lesbian rights. This is quite upsetting for the reason that if we were to compare Canada to other countries there has been a remarkable amount of change given to the rights of the LGBTTQ* throughout the past few decades. Wouldn’t immigrants and refugees like to know this information prior to entering our country?

The Canadian press had learned that the earliest draft of the guide indicated under the section Towards a Modern Canada. "Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969 and more recently, civil marriage rights to same-sex couples was legalized nationwide in 2005," And in the piece on citizenship rights, the initial draft said: "Equality Rights - Canadians are protected against discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or age" (Beeby,2010,p.1). However neither one of these sentences were published.

Now let’s talk about Jason Kenney for a moment, the man at fault for removing all information referencing gay rights from the study guide. Following the Conservative victory in the 2006, on January 4, 2007, Kenny was sworn in as the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, and has held the post of Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism since October 30, 2008. (Prime Minister of Canada [Pm], 2011)

Being a member of the Conservative government, it comes as no surprise that Minister Kenney opposes same-sex relationships. In fact he has, “insistently opposed same-sex marriage since his time as an opposition MP in the House of Commons” The Globe and Mail (2010). In my opinion, the fact that Kenney firmly opposes homosexuality proves that he purposely removed all information regarding gay rights from the study guide. This makes me wonder why he holds the post of Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Although due to Kenney’s actions, immigrants and refugees migrating to Canada will have no knowledge of the gay rights they are entitled to, it is nice to know that  immigration regulations came into effect on June 28,2002 allowing  the sponsorship of same-sex partners into Canada. At the present, ,members of the LGBTTQ* community are formally able to sponsor their partners, in other words,  Canada and many other countries gladly extend immigration rights to prospective gay and lesbian immigrants. (LaViolette,2004)

I am grateful to learn that all members of the LGBTTQ* are able to immigrate to Canada; however it upsets me that the Minister of Immigration is homophobic. I am certain that many same-sex couples move to Canada to enjoy improved civil rights, benefits, and the protection of a tolerant society. However in my opinion it makes absolutely no sense that the man administering immigration affairs is against homosexuality; he has already removed all references to gay rights from the study guide, what will he do next?

-Brigitte Tetrault

References

Beeby, D. (2010, March 3). Kenney denies removing gay reference - Canada - CBC News. CBC.ca - Canadian News Sports Entertainment Kids Docs Radio TV. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/03/03/kenney-gay-guide003.html

LaViolette, N. (2004). Coming Out to Canada: The Immigration of. McGill Law Journal, 49, 970-1002.

Rayside, D. M., & Wilcox, C. (2011). A twenty year survey of Canadian attitudes towards homosexuality and gay rights . Faith, politics, and sexual diversity in Canada and the United States (p. 49). Vancouver: Ubc Press.

The Honourable Jason Kenney - Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism - Prime Minister of Canada. (n.d.). Prime Minister of Canada / Premier ministre du Canada. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from http://pm.gc.ca/eng/bio.asp?id=77

Canada passes bill to legalize gay marriage - The New York Times. (2005, June 29). NY Times Advertisement. Retrieved October 16, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/29/world/americas/29iht-web.0629canada.html

Going back in the "Closet"

Older people face many challenges and the biggest one is their health (Neysmith, 2003).  As people age their ability to do daily activities decrease which may require a certain amount of care necessary to go about their day (Neysmith, 2003).  This leads to their biggest health care problem which is long term care for when an older person can no longer take care of themselves (Neysmith, 2003).  Some family members can fulfill these needs but may require some relief and long term care can be quite costly (Neysmith, 2003).  “Programs get targeted to certain groups and thus are not available to those who do not meet categorical definitions” (p.187 Neysmith, 2003), which can be a big problem in meeting the needs of not only older people but older LGBTTQ* people.  As my last blog stated LGBTTQ* people have different health care needs which are not being met due to the lack of communication between doctor and patient of personal information for fear of discrimination.  Long term health care is an even bigger problem for LGBTTQ* people and can even lead them to go back into the “closet” (StuMaddox, 2009).

The LGBTTQ* people who are facing this very issue today are the ones who went through much oppression and discrimination and fought hard to be able to come out and for equality (Brotman and Cormier, 2003).  Their past experiences were harsh ones and with the memories of the fear they had of people knowing their sexual orientation may explain why it can be so hard for them to be honest with a care provider.  Even in a progressive day like today discrimination is still there; a focus group of 200 lesbian and gay people including their families in Canada found explicit homophobia towards older gay and lesbian people (Brotman and Cormier, 2003).  Because of this when an LGBTTQ* person enters a long term care facility they may feel the need to hide their same-sex relationship and their sexuality all together (Brotman and Cormier, 2003).  Some experiences of people in the focus group were the inability to have their same-sex partner share a room and even hold hands in the television room (Brotman and Cormier, 2003).  This invisibility can cause care providers to overlook their own specific needs and issues and not only that but there is even a general reluctance for care providers to bring up and discuss these issues (Brotman and Cormier, 2003).  An older person’s unwillingness to divulge certain information and a care provider’s lack of concern for these issues is almost like a circular conversation that doesn’t get anyone anywhere.  Then there is the issue of ageism especially within the LGBTTQ* community itself which values beauty and youthfulness (Brotman and Cormier, 2003).  The communities efforts have gone so much into the youth and have hardly touched the older population (Brotman and Cormier, 2003) so with no one to turn to they may see going back in the “closet” as their only option.  None of this is sounding hopeful so far, there must be something that is being done to help this population that is in dire need of assistance.

There may not be much yet as far as policy in long term health care but there are groups that help support the older LGBTTQ* community.  In Windsor Ontario they have something called 50+Proud which offers support to the older LGBTTQ* community to interact with one another and also provide help for issues relating to health, financial, social, and any other issues they may face (Winsor Pride, 2010).  The Vancouver Qmunity Generations also offers the same type of services and also focus on changes for older queers in residential care facilities, assisted living centers and senior centers (2011).  They also offer training to professionals such as home support workers, care aids, medical doctors, social workers and others to educate them in caring for older LGBTTQ* people (Qmuinity, 2011) which may be a big step in providing the changes in the system that are needed for the older LGBTTQ* community to feel safe and be honest in a long term care facility.  Right here in Winnipeg the Four Rivers medical clinic on Broadway offers a Gay Men’s Health Clinic with a doctor who specializes in gay men’s health (Gay Men’s Health Clinic, 2010) this is definitely a positive thing for gay men but of course it would be even better if there was a clinic specializing for all who identify with LGBTTQ*.  Not only that but the Rainbow Resource Centre which promotes LGBTT* visibility and focuses on safety in the community’s health care was founded at the University of Manitoba which I am especially proud of (Rainbow Resource Centre, 2011).  This goes to show that a small student group can lead to something bigger and if we work together and help those less fortunate than us then maybe we can make a difference too.

Peace N Love

Brittany

References:

Brotman, S., Cormier, R. (2003). The Health and Social Service Needs of Gay and Lesbian Elders and Their Families in Canada. The Gerontological Society of America, 43:2, 192-202.

Gay Men’s Health Clinic. (2010). Retrieved November 15, 2011 from http://www.gmhc.ca/index.html

Neysmith, S. (2003). Caring and Aging: Exposing the Policy Issues. Retrieved from http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=A-C2_Z1Q6a4C&oi=fnd&pg=PA182&dq=%22Caring+and+aging+Exposing+the+policy+issues%22+Neysmith+S&ots=zGdC1CASad&sig=ucRZH0dKyHcIrnofsrIWkhCe1kI#v=onepage&q=%22Caring%20and%20aging%20Exposing%20the%20policy%20issues%22%20Neysmith%20S&f=false

Qmunity. (2011). Older Adults. Retrieved November 15, 2011 from http://www.qmunity.ca/older-adults/

Rainbow Resource Centre. (2011). About RRC. Retrieved on November 15, 2011 from http://www.rainbowresourcecentre.org/about-rrc/

StuMaddux. (2009, October 16). NEW: LGBT Elders go back into the closet to survive [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV3O8qz6Y5g

Windsor Pride. (2010). We’re Gay…and Gray! Let’s Enjoy Life. Retrieved November 15, 2011 from http://www.windsorpride.com/NoFeed/were-gayand-gray-lets-enjoy-life.html

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

Bottom of Form

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.

Memo to Social Workers: Open Your Eyes

                 images copyright © richard renaldi, 2005.

            Canada’s population is aging (well, obviously we are all aging… I’m even aging as I type this, but what I mean is that the average age of the Canadian citizen is getting higher).  An aging population puts an increased demand on the health care system, necessitating a growth in services, which means increased job opportunities in the field of aging for the future social workers of the nation (Neysmith, 182).  The central policy concern is how to meet the forecasted caring needs for our aging population (Neysmith, 182).  As future social workers it is important to ask ourselves if we are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the elderly with the services they need to enjoy a better quality of life. 

Unfortunately, we are ill prepared for this increased need for services associated with aging. Limited research has been conducted on this population segment, potentially due to the stigma attached in our society to the aging process.  This stigma comes from a variety of sources; two examples are the heavily commodified focus on youth in our culture, and the natural fears associated with the deterioration of the body and death (Renaldi, 2005).  As invisible as the elderly population feels, it is even worse for elderly people who identify as a minority or oppressed group; such as radicalized, low income, and LGBTTQ* older adults.  The LGBTTQ* community includes the full spectrum of life;  It’s just that our culture is so consumed with youth, and rejecting of older adults sexual needs that this segment of the population tends to be ignored all together, as if older LGBTTQ* adults do not exist (Renaldi, 2005).

Older LGBTTQ* adults are by no means a homogenous group, however all LGBTTQ* elders share two common unifying elements: at some point in their lives they began to identify as something other than heterosexual, and they all grew up in a particular socio-historical period (Friend, 99).  The popular image of older LGBTTQ* adults is largely negative.  They are usually depicted as lonely, depressed, and lacking traditional support from family (Friend, 99).  Thankfully, this stereotype conflicts with the current research findings.  Studies show older LGBTTQ* adults to be well adjusted, self accepting, and adapting well to the aging process (Friend, 100). 

As social workers we have to be sure that our practice in the field is always done with our eyes as open as possible; we need to see those who are invisible, those who have been pushed to the margins of society and forgotten, and those who society would prefer to believe did not exist.  We have to conduct the research to fill in the holes of our knowledge of groups who are oppressed in our society.  We have to create policy to ensure that elderly same sex couples enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other couple.  We need to advocate for equality for those who have no voice in society; we need to make sure we are ready to provide care for LGBTTQ* elders. 

-Julianna

Friend, R. (1991). Older lesbian and gay people: A theory of successful aging. (Ed.), Gay

            midlife and maturity (pg 99-116) Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press

Neysmith, S. (2003). Caring and aging: Exposing the policy issues. In A. Westhues (Ed.),

            Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pg 182-199). Waterloo, ON:

            Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

Renaldi, R. (2005). Gay and lesbian elderly. Retrieved from:

            http://www.renaldi.com/portfolio/elderly1.html