S3 E7 - Championing LGBTQ+ Elders: Intergenerational Support and Advocacy

How can organizations like the COAAA ensure that their inclusivity efforts address the needs of both their LGBTQ+ staff and community members?

Let's talk about the intergenerational dynamics within the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus. We cover everything from the critical needs of older LGBTQ+ adults, facing 13 anti-trans bills in Ohio, to the power of trauma-informed care. We discuss innovative community efforts, essential inclusivity, and the necessity for more tailored resources. Guests Al Cho, a Senior Options case manager, and Kayla Humphrey, management analyst, and chair of the PRIDE Committee, share real-life examples and a vision for better support systems.

Key Takeaways

**Intergenerational Interaction**: Notable intergenerational interactions exist within the Columbus LGBTQ+ community, such as the Columbus Women's Chorus and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. These interactions foster mutual support and shared experiences across generations.

**Legislative Challenges**: Ohio currently faces 13 anti-trans bills, with two already passed in 2024. This underscores the importance of leveraging the strength and experience of older generations to combat such legislative challenges.

**Community Engagement**: The pride committee at CRAAA is focusing on increasing community presence and support for LGBTQ+ older adults, as highlighted by Kayla Humphrey's survey results prioritizing community engagement and advocacy.

**Limited Resources for Older LGBTQ+ Adults**: Many resources and support efforts currently focus more on younger LGBTQ+ populations, highlighting the need for more resources and support specifically catered to older LGBTQ+ individuals.

**Specialized Programs**: If resources were unlimited, extensive programs envisioned for LGBTQ+ older adults include case management, friendly caller programs, technological education, and intergenerational support.

**Intentional Trauma-Informed Care**: The conversation emphasized the need for intentional, trauma-informed care and tailored resources for LGBTQ+ older adults, recognizing the unique challenges faced by this population.

**Support Systems and Psychological Well-being**: Support systems are psychologically crucial for individuals with limited resources, especially older generations who may have experienced significant caution and fear during the HIV epidemic.

**Education and Inclusivity**: There's a need for ongoing educational efforts about LGBTQ+ individuals and HIV, especially within immigrant and refugee populations, to foster inclusivity and understanding.

**Kindness and Compassion**: Emphasizing the role of kindness and compassion in community support, it is vital to meet people where they are, listen intently, and validate chosen families and personal identities.

**Updated Regulations Impact**: Updates to the Older Americans Act provide formal acknowledgment and protection for LGBTQ+ older adults and those aging with HIV, ensuring they feel included and their specific needs are addressed.

Key Moments

00:00 Discussing updates to Older Americans Act regulations.

03:23 Elevating older LGBTQ+ and aging HIV populations.

08:54 Chronic minority stress worsens health, causing risks.

10:10 HIV medications prolong life, risk liver damage.

15:38 Older LGBTQ+ adults face isolation and poverty.

16:39 Older adults feel lonely, lack appropriate resources.

22:45 LGBTQ+ faced oppression, silence, then pride generation.

26:49 Importance of empathy and safety in relationships.

29:37 Lack of intergenerational structures, but desire exists.

33:13 Rural background, city issues surprisingly similar.

37:04 Pride committee welcomes everyone, focuses on community involvement.

41:21 Advocate program for LGBTQ+ seniors' support and intergenerational events.

42:47 Intentional, trauma-informed care for LGBTQ+ adults.

46:35 Lean in, respect chosen family, show support.

Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at [email protected]!

Copyright 2024 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

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