"For two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) older adults, however, that transition can come with additional challenges. Many caregiving and senior-serving organizations are still learning how best to meet the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ older adults, including understanding their identities, histories, and experiences. The result? Too many older adults feel they must "go back into the closet" in later life to feel safe and respected."
"At Openhouse, we understand that many caregiving institutions were built around assumptions that clients are straight and cisgender. While staff are often well-meaning, they may not yet have had the opportunity to develop a full understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ identities, pronouns, or histories of discrimination and resilience. Without this awareness, older adults may experience missteps-from accidental misgendering to exclusion of chosen family-that can leave them feeling unseen or misunderstood."
As people age, many eventually rely on caregivers, long-term care facilities, adult day services, home health aides, or senior-serving organizations for daily tasks and well-being. Two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) older adults face additional challenges during that transition because many caregiving organizations lack understanding of identities, histories, and experiences. Many older adults feel compelled to hide identities or "go back into the closet" to feel safe and respected. Openhouse launched Culture of Care, an educational training series that helps caregiving organizations strengthen 2SLGBTQ+ cultural responsiveness. Since 1998, Openhouse has provided housing, direct services, community programs, and training to support 2SLGBTQ+ seniors.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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