Inclusive Services and Questions for LGBT Older Adults

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging

The vast majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults have lived through discrimination, social stigma, and the effects of prejudice both past and present, including a history of being labeled as criminals, sinners, and mentally ill. For some, this fear and social stigma has disrupted their lives, their connections with their families of origin, their lifetime earnings and their opportunities to save for retirement. It has also made many of them apprehensive of health care professionals and aging service providers.

Aging service providers should be aware that the effects of a lifetime of stigma, discrimination, rejection, ridicule, and victimization put LGBT older adults at greater risk for physical and mental illnesses and other issues.