Project embraces the rainbow connection

The LGBTIQ People Ageing Well project, launched by Council on the Ageing and the SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance, will provide a forum for older people relating to service delivery to meet their needs.

The project is being managed by Desmond Ford, who believes now is the time to bring visibility to older LGBTIQ people.

“Those now in their 60s, 70s and 80s grew up at a time when homosexuality was deemed a criminal act and so many kept it under wraps, experiencing isolation and discrimination,” Mr Ford said.

“There were no conversations or dialogue, no acceptance and certainly no support like there is today.

“But despite how far we’ve come, there’s still a way to go, particularly for older LGBTIQ communities.”

Mr Ford said some older people were wary of entering aged care, concerned about whether they would be treated appropriately. “Being a gay man who is about to enter his 60s, I feel I have a personal and professional commitment to this important subject,” he said.

“I spent the last three years running a training program for the aged care sector on the needs of older LGBTIQ people. There was a lot of interest in the program and people want to do the right thing.

“I’m also mindful of the challenges of older LGBTIQ people who might feel isolated. It’s important to identify those people and help them find networks to support them.”

Forums will be established across the state where people can share their hopes and aspirations and providers can better understand the issues.

There will be the opportunity to establish an older stream for the Feast Festival and create an LGBTIQ focus in ZestFest.