In the blog below, we explain how Dr. Imani Woody is creating resources to support LGBTQ+SGL (same gender loving) elders and serves as an advocate in her Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (DEI) work with businesses, organizations, individuals.
The Importance of Centering LGBTQ+ Elders
People are complex human beings, living lives that include the intersections of race, class, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and so much more. As human beings our lives are also shaped by the institutions in which we develop and grow; we learn to define ourselves within our families, our schools, and our religious traditions. As we age as LGBTQ+SGL elders in particular, we begin to understand the complexities of having more than one intersectionality (and we all have more than two!) and the communities that they create and the resilience that is fostered.
What Are Issues That LGBTQ+SGL Elders Face?
1. Historical Stigma and Discrimination: Many older LGBTQ+SGL individuals have lived through periods of greater social stigma and discrimination, including criminalization of same-sex relationships, pathologization of homosexuality, and lack of legal protections. This can result in internalized stigma and a fear of accessing services or disclosing their identities.
2. Isolation and Loneliness[2]: Older LGBTQ+SGL individuals may experience social isolation due to a lack of social support networks, especially if they are estranged from biological families or have lost friends and partners to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This isolation can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.
3. Health Disparities: LGBTQ+SGL older adults often face health disparities and may be at higher risk for certain health conditions due to a combination of factors such as stress, lack of access to culturally competent healthcare, and the effects of historical trauma. They may also have unique healthcare needs related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
4. Economic Insecurity: Many older LGBTQ+SGL individuals may have faced employment discrimination or lack of legal protections earlier in life, leading to reduced retirement savings and financial security. Discrimination in housing and employment can also continue into later years, making it challenging to maintain stable housing and adequate income.
5. Caregiving And Support: LGBTQ+SGL older adults may be more reliant on chosen family and friends for caregiving and support, as many elders do not have children nor close relationships with biological family members. This can be complicated if legal protections for chosen family relationships are lacking.
6. Elder Abuse: Older LGBTQ+SGL individuals can be at risk of elder abuse, including financial exploitation and domestic violence, which can be exacerbated by a lack of legal recognition, social isolation and loneliness.
7. Lack of LGBTQ+SGL Competency/Awareness: Service providers, including healthcare professionals and caregivers, may lack cultural competency/awareness in addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ SGL older adults, leading to inadequate or insensitive care.
8. End-Of-Life Planning: LGBTQ+SGL older adults may face challenges related to end-of-life planning, including legal recognition of relationships, decision-making authority, and ensuring that their chosen family and wishes are respected.
9. HIV And Aging: Older LGBTQ+SGL individuals who lived through the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic may have unique experiences related to HIV, including survivor’s guilt and long-term health effects.
10. Access To LGBTQ+ SGL Affirming Services: Finding appropriate and LGBTQ+SGL friendly services, including healthcare and long-term care facilities, can be challenging, especially in areas with limited resources or conservative attitudes.
How To Be an Ally With Dr. Imani
Addressing these vulnerabilities requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy changes, education and training for service providers, community support networks, and the creation of safe and affirming spaces for older LGBTQ+SGL individuals. IWF Consulting is proud to offer:
- Keynote and Panel Presentations
- Management and Organizational Consulting Services
- Training and Professional Development
- Forum Facilitation Services
- Individual Professional Development
[1] The term, same gender loving (SGL) was Same-Gender Loving (SGL): A term coined by Cleo Manago, and sometimes used by some members of the Black community or people of African descent, to express sexual orientation without relying on terms and symbols of European descent.
[2] Woody, I.Aging out: a qualitative exploration of ageism and heterosexism among aging African American lesbians and gay men. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24313257/
