Essay Sample about LGBTQ Older Adults

If you asked someone from the older generation about the world today, they would most likely say, "Times aren't what they used to be," which is true because we all change and develop over time because of our experiences. I frequently reflect on the difficulties of being an African American woman in America, but I have recently wondered what it is like to be a male, particularly one who is LGBT. We live in a world where we are already not treated equally, and now some people are being degraded because of their personal preferences and interests. Even though he identifies with this community, I believe this is what my cousin's life will soon be like as he grows older. I do not want his life to be any more difficult than it already is, but I know it will be because he does not conform to the ideas and stereotypes of what it means to be a man in this world, however, I do not believe that this is a reason to treat anyone as inferior. When people are treated in this manner, it makes me wonder "what if?" What if he is the person who discovers the cure? What if he grows up to be the next President of the United States? Or what if he does and/or creates something that everyone benefits from? Would he still be perceived as ridiculous because of his sexuality? Or would it be acceptable to the majority? Although I am unfamiliar with this population, my family ties run deep because I know my cousin is proud of who he is, and I would not want him to jeopardize his well-being because of how others perceive him and, at times, how he views himself.

LGBTQ older adults are a population that is underserved and understudied. After witnessing how difficult life can be for any younger person associated with the LGBT community, particularly in the Hickory area right now, due to a lack of awareness, recognition, and resources for these individuals, I can only imagine how it is for the older population who is also associated with this community. We do not often hear about LGBT-related events in the community because there are not many of them. When it comes to tailoring and meeting the needs of people from various backgrounds, this area, in my opinion, falls short in a variety of ways. There are numerous services available to children, women, and veterans, but what about our men? Why are they so easily overlooked? Since they (men) already have limited resources, one can conclude what resources are available to the LGBT community. Unfortunately, if one searches for services in this area, only two organizations are displayed, both of which are geared toward youth. A prime example of how our society is unwilling to consider satisfying the needs of all its members.

To put it mildly, older LGBT adults face unique challenges due to larger economic and health disparities than previous generations. Cos of the obvious lifetime stressors associated with being a minority, they are more vulnerable to poverty and mental and physical health conditions. Some people may be more vulnerable to mistreatment and neglect in long-term care facilities due to their sexual orientation. The vast majority may face discrimination because of their age, gender identity, or sexual orientation, widening generational divides. Despite the high frequency of hate crimes, these people face a lack of legal protection because those in positions of power disagree with their choices and would rather see them suffer than care for their safety. As I stated previously, I do not want my loved one to limit himself or his uniqueness because of how he chooses to live his life, but we must remember that we live in a world that does not care about or for individuals who do not meet the criteria of being an "American." These are the barriers I see preventing older people from participating in community events, either because none are relevant to them or because of how others will perceive them. Some people may be more inclined to help the community if there were more events, some of which did not take place only in June (pride month). My cousin's discomfort at family gatherings and in public places demonstrates how our world has not changed or evolved in the same way that everything else in it has.

Since starting my new job, I have had the opportunity to work with an older male member of the LGBT community, and seeing how passionately he must serve others makes me wonder why all people cannot be like that, accepting of others and selfless, regardless of how others interpret him. His sexual orientation does not diminish his humanity. He is an outgoing person who values his job and his husband because they both enjoy supporting each other and their organizations. He is a prime example of having the ability to affect change, and as previously stated, he is the embodiment of that. When people come to him for help with their children and families, he makes a difference in their lives. I have seen how he interacts with people who come to our Thursday events because he sets a good example. He is a well-rounded service professional who can cater to a wide range of populations and their needs. Many attendees are Hispanic, and he frequently translates for them if they have questions or want more information about the services we provide. He is making a difference in their lives simply by being himself. Although I am not sure if these families are aware of his sexual orientation, I have seen people refuse healthcare providers' assistance simply because of the color of their skin, so there is a chance that some people will do the same based on their sexuality. Unfortunately, people will go to such lengths to oppose someone else's moral choices. People are the real problem if they are willing to refuse proper care and treatment because of the person providing the services.

I am convinced that by taking the initiative to be more welcoming to the LGBT community, we could save many lives. It is a shame that a lack of resources and services for the community's senior citizens has resulted in them having a more difficult old age life and limiting their distinctiveness. They have been compressed for years due to a lack of care, but despite these disparities, most LGBT elders are aging well, which is a good thing. Adversity may boost the resilience of LGBT older adults, improving their health and well-being. Most older adults value and take pride in giving back to their community because it gives them a sense of belonging and purpose. Indeed, social engagement and connectedness are important characteristics of LGBT older adults but achieving this in our community is difficult. It is difficult for these elderly people to want to be a part of a community that does not reciprocate their love or provides them with the resources they require to live a more suitable and sustainable life. To encourage more community involvement with older LGBT adults, I would recommend reaching out to the two services already available in our community for LGBT youth and seeing how we can reach out to the older generation in the hopes of outfitting and offering them the tools they have been missing. Also, surveying assisted, and long-term care facilities may provide us with the information we need to understand how to prevent this from becoming a generational issue, as well as to get them more involved if they have not already. Aging is a natural part of life, and most older adults do not mind discussing it, but it should not be as difficult as it is by not receiving the same quality care because of their sexual identity.

For years, policies, research, and services have ignored the aging and health issues confronting LGBT older adults, particularly baby boomers. These seniors, however, face higher rates of disability, mental and physical distress, and a lack of resources. LGBT seniors are a growing demographic that will almost certainly require more frequent health care and social services. Culturally sensitive training for health care and social service organizations, as well as practitioners providing elderly care, may be critical in lowering the discrimination expectations and experiences that many LGBT older adults have when desiring healthcare and professional assistance. The Older Americans Act has designated LGBT older adults as a "greatest social need" group (OAA). This designation would provide significant funding for services and research for LGBT older adults. Anti-discrimination legislation and broadening the definition of family to include the family of choice are two other policy needs for LGBT older adults. People have been taught what is and is not morally correct; however, we do not have to agree with their choices; rather, we should respect them, as we would expect the same in return. Treating someone as less than because of our or their beliefs and values is inhumane and creates a larger divide, which leads to more systematic problems that we do not need. I do not want my cousin to be afraid for his life because people who are prejudiced against people who are not like them misunderstand him.