Gay,Lesbian &
Transgender Issues

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Lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders are a strength within our community yet there are few, if any, positive images that accurately reflect their lives. More common are lonely and depressed images that do not truly portray the diversity and resilience of the lesbian, gay and bisexual elder community. Their unique psychosocial and health needs are often

As a result of coming of age during a time of intense bigotry, lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders have learned by default to protect their identity and privacy. As they enter their elder years, the resulting independence may be both advantageous and detrimental; it can enhance their sense of self-reliance and their ability to negotiate challenges, but can also serve to further isolate them from community and support services. Due to legal and social marginalization, the estimated four million lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders in the US are frequently overlooked by human service providers Lesbian, gay, and bisexual seniors share many of the same concerns as all elders They face discrimination due to ageism and homophobia from society in areas such as financial benefits, housing, and healthcare. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders may lack the financial security provided by a spouse's pension, and other such benefits offered to heterosexual couples due to the inequalities inherent in the legal system. Elder lesbians, gay men, and bisexual may not access mainstream elderly programs because of a lifelong distrust of organized services. Limited options exist for same sex elderly couples within independent and assisted living environments. The loss of a long term same sex partner results in the same feelings as the loss of a heterosexual partner, but is not recognized by societyThis can lead to increased isolation and depression. The delivery of appropriate health services may be jeopardized by the fact that most lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders are not "out" to their providers. Furthermore, their past experience with health professionals may have been extremely negative in the context of trying to be "cured" by their homosexuality.

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