Southern Arizona Senior LGBTQ Pride
Celebrating, Supporting and Uniting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Seniors in Southern Arizona
C. Michael Woodward, MPH
Arizona Geriatrics Society Journal
VOLUME 20 NO. 2
The challenges facing our health system are not only about financial and physical resources, but about compassion and cultural competence as well. Among the influx of these older adults are a disproportionate number of individuals from marginalized populations with unique and sometimes substantial needs beyond the typical concerns of health and aging…
An ‘LGBT-Welcoming’ Place to Call Home
Recognizing a need, some cities are developing housing options.
“Older adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender often age alone. As the first generation to be open about their sexuality and united around the gay rights movement, many are estranged from family and never had or have lost a partner. Prejudice may have meant fewer work opportunities over their lifetime, resulting in meager, if any, savings. Finding affordable and welcoming senior housing is a challenge…”
By Sierra C. Jackson
Awarding-winning photographer Steven Laxton and New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center recently launched “Free to Be Me,” a photo and essay series featuring the stories of 20 LGBTQ refugees living in the Unites States. Those profiled in the series have fled their homes out of fear of being persecuted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity or to escape politically or economically unstable regions. All but one of those featured in the series are clients of Immigration Equality, an advocacy group that provides free legal services to LGBTQ immigrants.
What are my housing rights as an LGBT senior? Are there laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination in housing? How does the Fair Housing Act apply to LGBT people? Are there any other housing protections at the federal level? Do senior housing communities have any legal obligation to protect LGBT seniors or address complaints of discrimination? Are there protections for LGBT seniors in housing establishments that also provide medical care? Are there laws in my state that protect seniors from housing discrimination?
»Go to the Lambda Legal website to read answers to these Frequently Asked Questions
“Death and dying is a taboo subject. Add to that the invisibility of being an elder lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) person and there is a lot to NOT talk about. What are the special problems this marginalized class of people might face and how are their needs being addressed? What are the challenges and strategies that are specific to the communities in addressing healthcare systems, social networks and end of life issues. Are there commonalities in the diverse communities that make up the alphabet soup of LGBT? How does Tucson measure up in providing appropriate support and services? These were some of the questions I asked myself as I prepared to become a “citizen folklorist” and delve into the nitty-gritty of LGBT death and dying…”
In this paper, Penelope Starr interviews the following 8 people:
