| GLIBT seniors face discrimination |
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A study of the experiences of LGBT seniors in aged care services has revealed that they regularly experience discrimination and invisibility. The report, 'My People - a Project exploring the experiences of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Seniors in Aged Care Services', was conducted by La Trobe University. It was commissioned by the Melbourne-based groups, Matrix Guild Victoria and Vintage Men. Matrix Guild spokesperson Jane Kent said “the project is very socially and culturally progressive”. Researcher Dr Catherine Barrett, from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), based at La Trobe University, explained that the report ‘reveals the hidden terror confronting gay baby-boomers and other older seniors who are not sexually mainstream – the prospect of confinement to the darkest closet of their lives: old age in Australia in the 21st century’ “A major problem is that aged care service providers don’t understand how discrimination can be manifested, and they don’t realise that if they see an older gay person being discriminated against they are expected to intervene,” Barrett told MCV. “They don’t know that it’s unlawful to discriminate against GLIBT people.” The study was initiated in response to anecdotal reports of discrimination against sexual minorities in aged care. “Many recounted threats, harassment, ridicule and/or invasion of privacy; sometimes from staff or carers, sometimes from other residents. Most expressed some form of grief, loneliness or depression and a longing for intimacy, physical contact or sex. “People don’t expect seniors to be sexual and they also don’t expect them to be sexually diverse,” she said. The study also showed that, for many older gays and lesbians, even those long out of the closet, impending old age means going back in again, and the associated risk of being deprived of companionship and quality care when they need it most. Over 50 percent of LGBT seniors aged over 65 will have home care at some stage, Barrett said, which resulted in some participants in the study revealing that “they have to hide who they are in their own home.” The report’s results will be used as a blueprint for urgent reform in the aged care sector. “Education of aged care staff is vital and there needs to be explicit legislation to make people aware of the issues,” Barrett summarised. “What’s great is that this report means the conversation and raising awareness has started.” The Director of Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, Associate Professor Anne Mitchell, commended the report. “This is qualitative and pioneering research that confirms anecdotal reports of the frightening consequences of being old and gay in Australia if you are dependent on aged care - discrimination, isolation, fear, sub-standard care, and abuse,” Mitchell told MCV. “It also identifies the solution: education of carers and providers to recognise the unique needs of GLTBI seniors, and the provision of GLBTI-friendly facilities and services to ensure they are met.” There is currently no specific federal policy for aged care services in relation to LGBT clients.
A comment on the report was sought from the federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliott, but no response was forthcoming at the time of going to print.
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written by Gerard Koskovich , September 25, 2008 Kudos to the community organizations and the researchers involved in developing this important report. The health care and social services needs of LGBT elders are a matter of growing concern in many parts of the world, and we all can learn from the work being done in this field in our own countries and in others. Those interested in learning more about this topic may wish to visit the home page of the LGBT Aging Issues Network (LAIN) of the American Society on Aging at www.asaging.org/lain. Among the resources offered free of charge is a Web Guide with annotated listings for nearly 500 sites dealing with LGBT aging; the "International" section includes links to a number of Australian sites. report abuse
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written by Gina , September 25, 2008 Hi No Intersex people could be found by the researcher to include in this paper. In Including Intersex in GLB research sexual preference is conflated with physical Genitic Hormonal and reproductive difference experianced by Intersex. While some of are Gay Bi and Lesbian most are hetrosexual and gay issues have little impact on their lives. There is a paucity of research on the lives of Intersex adults and any on those moving into old age and our sometimes special medical needs would be welcome. Including us in research on sexual preference and old age is of little value. report abuse
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written by Gina , September 25, 2008 Hi I note the inclusion of Intersex in this review . The re4searcher was unable to find an Intersex subject to interview. The inclusion of Intersex in GLB issues conflates people born with reproductive hormonal and genitic variations with sexual preference. While some of us are Gay Bi and Lesbian the vast majority are hetrosexual. Out diagnosis sometimes requires special medical consideration , especially as we move into old age. Ther is nearly no research on any aspect of Adult Intersex lives. Gina report abuse
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written by lucas johnson , September 24, 2008 such an important issue to address. i have a older gay friend who has home care and he has said he hides the gay mags before the nurse comes, and no its not porn. we shouldnt have to live like this when we are young and we certainly shouldnt have to live like this when we are older. report abuse
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written by Hamish McInnes , September 24, 2008 Of course the staff at these residents do not know that they are discriminating against its senior residents. The reason is that the business is more than likely owned by the church or at the very least they have a good say in what goes on in the place. It appears that the staff and management at these place don't really care, as long as the pension fee gets taken out each fortnight - after all its only the cash that matters to these place and not providing a service of which they are being paid to do! report abuse
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