Ageing, Sexual Orientation and Mental Health: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Older People

Abstract

Introduction Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersex (LGBTi)i people can often mean they are denied the basic human right to live the life they are born to lead (Kimmel et al. 2006). Traditionally, LGBTi people have often had to live in secret, hidden from the dominant heterosexual society, and many older people are still worried about disclosing their sexual identity (Kimmel et al. 2006). In this chapter I will explore some of the many issues facing older LGBTi people. The chapter starts with a brief overview of the history of the LGBTi communities and how they have been treated as ‘invisible citizens’ through mechanisms of the law and the medicalisation of the ‘homosexual’ (Jennings 2007). Then I examine some of the fears and concerns held by members of LGBTi communities when accessing services, and this is discussed in relation to issues of sexuality, mental health and ageing. It is my hope that in reading this chapter you will gain a deeper understanding of the issues raised and then think of areas of application for your own development as a non-discriminatory practitioner, as well as identifying needs for further service development