Kerang District Health supports inclusive practice for people that identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) and strives for an environment that creates:
Many older LGBTI people have lived through a time when disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity could result in imprisonment, forced medical "cures", loss of employment, family and friends.
Consequently, many older people learned to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity to be safe.
Older LGBTI people were subjected to discrimination from a range of government organisations, police, churches, the community and their family. Homosexuality was criminalised throughout Australia and conviction could have meant incareration. Gay men and transgender people were regularly subjected to police harassment and entrapment.
The historical experiences of older LGBTI people have had a significant effect on their health and wellbeing as well as their fears about discrimination when accessing services.
As a consequence:
The consequences of this invisibility for older people are significant.
Kerang District Health and Glenarm Aged Care are inclusive services and welcome diversity within our community.
Support through switchboard.org.au or telephone 1800 184 527
Support for LGBTI carers on Carer Advisory Line 1800 242 636 or www.carersvictoria.org.au/how-we-help/LGBTI-carers