LGBT Seniors Safe and Visible

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Because they grew up and came of age in a time when their rights and safety were not protected and discrimination was even sanctioned by society and the government, LGBT older people, on average, are more likely to live in poverty and have deferred healthcare issues, and less likely to have an established support system. Many remain traumatised by the oppression they experienced over several decades. And so, despite some facilities and healthcare settings being inherently welcoming, LGBT seniors will likely remain hidden and feel some level of anxiety unless they see and hear overt signs indicating that they are safe. Care facilities, especially, are still often seen as a place of likely discrimination or abuse. In fact, a recent report shows that only 22% of LGBT people feel that an LGBT older adult can be open with the staff of a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long–term care facility about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.