OPENING THE CLOSET ON AGING: AMAZING LIVES!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Helen Kennedy

Film: Pride and Resistance

The Gay Liberation movement has accomplished wonders in the period between the 1970s and the 2000s. We demonstrated on Parliament hill, began to celebrate Pride across the nation, went to court over discrimination and accomplished wonders. We now have a human rights code that protects our rights to work and live free from discrimination and harassment; we can marry and receive survivor benefits when our partners pass on.

Helen Kennedy is President of Egale Canada, a national organization committed to advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada. She has been a part of this movement and will be with us to reprise our history with the assistance of Nancy Nicol’s short films Pride and Resistance.

The older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTTQ) participants in our audience were part of this movement that paved the way for today. This keynote speech will recognize and celebrate our history of the last 40+ years providing older conference participants a moment of proud recognition of their amazing achievements. It will give straight conference participants new insights, education and awareness .

Depression is a Normal Part of Aging, Right? Wrong!

We older LGBTTQ people are of a generation that grew up when homosexuality and gender variance were considered "sick," "criminal, or a sin.” Many LGBTTQ seniors had to live double lives: publicly living in the closet and privately learning how to find love, community and dignity. As a result of these experiences we have developed strength of character by confronting discrimination and coming out. Yet, we may be more susceptible to depression and other mental health problems.

This workshop will be of particular interest to service providers, making them aware of the unique situation of this population and ways of dealing with depression.

Real Lives: Shattering Myths and Stereotypes

Our panelists are all active, involved individuals contributing to their communities and living vibrant, full lives. They continue to grow, change, take risks and make a difference in the world. These folks shatter all the stereotypes and myths about being gay and old.

Getting Ready

Someone said that getting old is not for wimps. Many challenges are likely to confront us: changes in our physical and emotional well-being, mobility, loss of friends, partners, changes in our financial situation and in our living situation.

Participants in this workshop will break into groups to discuss four critical issues that are part of getting ready: housing, health, legal, and social engagement.

Participants will discuss various options, resources and ways of dealing with the impacts of change and transition.

Presentation on Making Long-Term Care Gay Friendly

Given their experience of discrimination, for many older LGBTTQ folk, the thought of moving to a nursing home or home for the aged is enough to make them consider suicide. They fear receiving poor quality care, being neglected, or even abused. They fear being rejected by other residents and the families of other residents.

But what about a queer friendly home? A place that welcomes and celebrates LGBTTQ residents, staff and volunteers? A place that has special activities for queer residents, is connected to the queer community, advertises jobs there and is present in the Pride parade?

The City of Toronto Homes for the Aged Division has spent the last 18 months focusing on making three of its homes gay friendly. In the process, the group has developed a tool kit for homes anywhere on making long term care gay friendly.

This panel presentation will focus on the work of the task force and its accomplishments. We will hear about its work and recommendations. Participants will have an opportunity to comment on the work of the task force and its recommendations.

Queer Rehab Matters

Many of us are likely to require rehabilitation services (e.g. occupational and physio therapy, social work, nursing) at one time or another as we age. LGBTTQ people have experienced a lifetime of discrimination and homophobia leaving them reluctant to come out while seeking health care. Consequently, health providers may often be unaware of LGBTTQ patients’ unique concerns.

This panel of both rehabilitation providers and LGBTTQ consumers will share information on the unique rehabilitation concerns of LGBTTQ seniors.

Following the presentations, conference participants will have an opportunity to engage with the panel to develop recommendations and an action plan for creating a queer friendly rehabilitation environment.

Navigating the System

How many of us have had a friend, parent or partner who had to leave the hospital or suddenly became ill and did not know where to turn? Knowing about home supports, subsidies, programs and services and where to access them can make the difference between feeling helpless and empowered.

This workshop will provide participants with information and pointers on how to begin looking for programs and services when we need them.