1. What’s Different About Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging? Cathy Croghan, MS, MPH, RN Sarah Myott, MSW Barbara Satin, BA June 21, 2011 info@trainingtoserve.org http://www.trainingtoserve.org

2. 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

3. What We’ll Cover 1. Introductions 2. Overview 3. Personal Story 4. Scenarios 5. Practical Things You Can Do

4. Overview Pre-Stonewall (1969) life experiences Baby Boomers (1946- 1964) Estimated 2.8 million nationwide

5. Isolation Live Alone (2X that of total population) No Life Partner (2X) No Children (4X) No Crisis Contact (10X)

6. 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

7. Assumptions Informs programming/service delivery Limits language for intake Limits discussion of relationships Limits life reminiscing Marginalizes/alienates LGB&T elders

8. 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

9. Scenarios What can you do?

10. Suggestions Inclusive infrastructure Welcoming environment Effective communication Open-ended questions Gender-neutral language Staff & Resident Sensitivity Training

11. Contact Information Training to Serve www.trainingtoserve.org www.trainingtoserve.org Cathy Croghan cathy@trainingtoserve.org Sarah Myott sarah.m.myott@state.mn.us Barbara Satin barbsatin@aol.com