what’s different about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging? cathy croghan, ms, mph, rn...

What’s Different About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging?

Cathy Croghan, MS, MPH, RNSarah Myott, MSWBarbara Satin, BAJune 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 Cover1. Introductions2. Overview3. Personal Story4. Scenarios5. 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

ScenariosWhat 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.orgCathy Croghan

cathy@trainingtoserve.org Sarah Myott

sarah.m.myott@state.mn.us Barbara Satin

barbsatin@aol.com