LGBT older people

Older people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or gender diverse or intersex can face particular issues later in life, especially in accessing safe and inclusive aged care services.

The Commission has highlighted some of these concerns in previous reports.*

The Resilient Individuals: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Intersex Rights report raised the following concerns:

• Older people are likely to have experienced a history of stigma, isolation and criminalisation of homosexuality during most of their lifetime, and this can have consequences for how private and discreet some individuals are about their sexuality
• A trend of returning to live in ‘the closet’ once entering aged care due to a fear of discrimination and misunderstanding in a new communal environment
• There may be health consequences of not being ‘out’ in aged care in accessing particular treatments that may be required, for example for people living with HIV/AIDS

The Addressing Sexual Orientation and Sex and/or Gender Identity Discrimination report raised stories of discrimination and harassment experienced by same-sex couples and a lack of recognition of people’s gender identity.

The Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report also considered some issues faced in aged care services. These included:

• Higher fees paid for residential care by same-sex couples
• Aged care policies and codes not acknowledge same-sex couples
• Staff not accepting same-sex relationships as legitimate or recognising chosen families
• Lack of staff training in understanding LGBTI populations and issues

Read more about the Commission’s work on Age Discrimination.

Read more about the Commission’s work on SOGIESC issues.