Blog: Supporting older LGBTQ+ people in Scotland
Diversity and inclusion is a key theme underpinning Age Scotland’s strategy and, in recent months, we’ve been able to expand our work in this important area.
As part of our Summer of Storytelling edition of Advantage magazine, we were delighted to give an update on how Age Scotland is supporting the older LGBTQ+ community by providing advice and working to create a new Scottish LGBTQ+ Older People’s Network.
Age Scotland wants to ensure that its services and activities are accessible and relevant to all older people across Scotland, particularly those groups currently under-represented. Our aim is for all older people to flourish in a culture of respect and self-dignity, where we celebrate differences and tackle inequality head on.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on older people. As communities and older people’s groups start to recover the total impact is only now starting to surface. There is evidence that older people from ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities have been disproportionately affected by the impact of Covid-19 and Age Scotland understands the need to take positive action to serve older people who face barriers in accessing information, advice and services.
It is important for LGBTQ + older people to have a collective voice, and a platform to share their lived experience and the impact of discriminatory practice on their lives. As part of our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Age Scotland is in the process of setting up the first Scottish LGBTQ+ Older People’s Network in Scotland. The purpose of the Network is to stimulate debate, share information and discuss the common issues to influence change. The membership of the Network is made up of LGBTQ + individuals, groups and organisations with representation from Prides across Scotland. The Network will be led by its members and supported by the Diversity and Inclusion team at Age Scotland.
While starting up a Network is important, Age Scotland is also committed to broader representation within its membership across all categories. We will continue to raise the profile of Age Scotland’s goal of representing the diversity and intersectionality of older people and encouraging interested LGBTQ+ individuals, groups and organisations to join Age Scotland’s membership network.
We currently have two guides aimed specifically at providing advice to the older LGBTQ+ community. Rights of LGBTQ+ older people in Scotland covers some of the most common topics we are asked about, including rights, healthcare, financial and legal issues, and social opportunities, while Support for older LGBTQ+ Veterans in Scotland offers members of the ex-service community support in later life.
