How to Create a GLBTI Inclusive Service Pauline Crameri Project Support Worker Aged, Diversity and Health City of Stonnington

GLBTIGLBTI Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Intersex

How many GLBTI people are there? Estimated - 10% How many GLBTI clients do we have?

Setting the scene GLBTI older people Historical Aspects The Law Medicine Social & Religious Views

The Law The Relationships Act (2001) recognises that people in same-sex relationships have the same rights as heterosexual couples

Medicine “In the complete absence of a father, or in the presence of a weak father, or perhaps an alcoholic father who spews forth hatred against the mother, the boy- child falls in love with his mother …” “Homosexuality may be associated with other perversions such as exhibitionism, sadism, neurosis, insanity, or alcoholism. Homosexuality is socially important because it may involve or lead to other offenses, such as blackmail and occasionally murder.”

Social and Religious Views Immoral wrong sick sinful Condemnation demonic criminal

What has changed for GLBTI people? Many things have improved including: - Greater visibility and acceptance - Greater legitimacy through legal reforms - More positive images in the media - More support services and other resources Levels of violence remain largely the same

Attitudes to GLBTI people 2005 study – Mapping Homophobia – 24, % believed homosexuality is immoral 2005 survey - Private Lives (5476 participants) - 67% modified daily activities because of fear of discrimination Tranznation (Aust-NZ survey of 253 transgender people (90% Australian)

Impact of Discrimination

Experiences of older GLBTI people Hide their sexual orientation or gender identity Feel that they are unable to be themselves Depression – historical experiences of discrimination Anxiety – maintaining a façade Missed opportunities for assessment

Voices of older GLBTI People

Considerations in providing care and support

“If I do have to come into contact with mainstream health and social care services, I don’t think my identity will be respected and I anticipate discrimination and even possibly homophobic harassment.” Dianne, 57, South East “I would, by virtue of the need to have carers in my home, be at a particularly vulnerable stage of life. The thought of being in my own home requiring help from someone who brings in with them the prejudices and judgements of the world I experience “out there” fills me with dread.” James, 55, London “I hate coming out to anyone (shame? Fear?) and I also hate not being accepted for who I am. As I need help I don’t want to have to be secretive but I am afraid I will be.” Tim, 72 London

How to Create a GLBTI Inclusive Service 1.Welcoming environment 2.Consumer consultation and participation 3.Cultural safety 4.Disclosure and documentation 5.Professional development 6.Organisational capacity

Rainbow Tick Accreditation program Inclusive Service Provision QICSA Current Pilot What does it mean for consumers

Considerations Assumptions Difficult to know the extent of older GLBTI community Consultation Information relevant to care Not a mass “outing” Promotion & Visibility Welcoming environment – how? Communication Backing it up – delivery! Learning Consultation & research Continuous improvement

Where to – Help! Val’s Café workshops How2 create a GLBTI inclusive service 6 workshops over a year Audit existing organisational/staff practices Develop inclusive practices 1.Create a welcoming environment 2.Consult consumers/their representatives 3.Ensure cultural safety 4.Clarify processes for disclosure and documentation 5.Educate staff 6.Build organisational capacity Evaluate improvements

References Some slides, images and information contained in this presentation courtesy of Dr Catherine Barrett, Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria

Further Information Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria - Most documents available from this website. Host Val’s Café, and provides a range of documents including audit. Contact person – Dr Catherine Barrett. ph Well Proud, A guide to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex inclusive practices for health and human services My People Report, A project exploring the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex seniors in aged-care services. It’s not just about sex! Dementia, Lesbians and Gay Men 2009 Alzheimer’s Australia Conference, Adelaide 2-5 June Tranznation, A report on the health and wellbeing of transgender people living in Australia and New Zealand. Transgender Victoria Spokesperson – Sally Goldner , Mapping Homophobia in Australia Private Lives Report

Further Information (continued) The Needs of Older Gay, Lesbian and Transgender People A report prepared for the ALSO foundation Talking Sexual Diversity - article in Australian Ageing Agenda Journal Permission to Speak Report, Determining strategies towards the development of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex friendly aged care services in Victoria.

Contacts How2 Create a GLBTI Inclusive Service Gay & Lesbian Health Victoria Dr Catherine Barrett