LGBT seniors face issues that others don’t, says SAGE
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) claim that elderly people in the LGBT community face more issues than others.
Serena Worthington of the New York City-based organisation believes that it is essential to build support for LGBT seniors, and that without it there is an increased risk of depression, substance abuse, early institutionalisation and premature death.
Speaking ahead of her appearance at a community forum in Tucson tomorrow (Sunday Feb 7.), Worthington told Tucson.com: “It’s our shared responsibility to make sure all communities are served. The community needs to take on that challenge. The numbers are drastic – there are 2.5 million LGBT seniors 65 and older, and that’s going to grow because of boomers.”
72-year-old transgender woman Miki Odawa fears mistreatment once she needs extra assistance into old age.
“Extended care scares the death out of me,” she says. “The thought that I am going to have people who refuse to accept my identity…How do I fight that when I am weak and incapable? How do I deal with people who have never seen a trans before? If I come up with a situation like that, it will tear me apart.”
Lavinia Tomer, 66, chair of the forum’s sponsors is worried about health issues: “A major need is to get health care providers and medical institutions to have more welcoming care. Lesbians have a high incidence of breast cancer, but they don’t always feel comfortable coming out to their doctors. It’s changing, but it’s nowhere near where it needs to be. We are still a hidden population of people. We need all sorts of health care, and people are still prejudiced against us.”
Another issues LGBT seniors face include safe housing.
“I just met a woman who lives in subsidised housing,” Tomer said. The woman is lesbian and proud. “She puts out things on her door, rainbow colours or some kind of statement that says ‘I’m a lesbian,’ and people tear them down and make snide remarks. She doesn’t feel safe.”