Project Visibility: LGBT Sensitivity Training For Homewatch CareGivers Employees Information provided by Boulder County Aging Services Division

LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered

Invisibility Most LGBT seniors are in the closet—many providers do not realize they are serving LGBT seniors. Many LGBT seniors experience a double invisibility as the LGBT community is not always acknowledging their existence.

LGBT Elders:  1-3 Million Americans Over 65 Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender  By 4 Million will be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender  5 times less likely to access services  Live alone  May not have traditional family support  May be isolated from LGBT community  Face poverty and economic insecurity

 Up to 75 % of LGBT older adults live alone and an estimated 90% do not have children  NGLTF 1999 Study of NY Gay Seniors revealed that 2/3 could not identify who would provide care to them if they grew ill

Homewatch CareGivers does not discriminate.

Concerns for LGBT Elders  Increased isolation  Increased depression  Unnecessary/premature institutionalization  Neglect

Strengths of LGBT elders  Self Reliant  Creates own support network  Have experienced an “ism” – feeling marginalized from mainstream culture  Have developed coping skills in dealing with a hostile environment

LANGUAGE

Heterosexism Heterosexual Privilege Homophobia Internalized Homophobia

Gender Identity Transgender Closet or Closeted Out

Acceptance Is the ability to listen, respond and provide care to all clients/residents regardless of personal feelings, beliefs or values about their characters or behaviors.

Don’t Make Assumptions

Inclusive Language Examples:  Using the word “partner” wherever there is an inquiry into marital status  Asking “who do you consider family?’

Discrimination is Unconscious  Ageism  Sexism  Homophobia  Religious intolerance  Racism  Intolerance of differences

Recommendations/Practical Solutions You Can Do Now  Don’t make assumptions  Respond neutrally, allow elders to share what they want to  Inclusive language  Trainings: Encourage Colleagues  Reporting Problems  Talk to office staff about resources

Resources  Project Visibility  Rainbow Elders  SAGE  Boulder Pride