Consider the case of a trans woman who had a
stroke, didn’t have healthcare, but had previously been in the military.
So she went to the Veterans Administration for medical care. But the VA
refused to treat her unless she presented in her birth sex. Instead, she
committed suicide.
Or consider the problem of LGBT people who dare
to be out in some “faith-based” facilities provide long term care to
senior citizens – some of these facilities are so abusive that out LGBT
seniors face abuse similar to the bullying of youth.
Or search for a connection to or kinship with
our community’s elders - too often LGBT seniors are left out, left
alone, isolated by their age and orientation.
It doesn’t have to be this
way. Faith could play a critical and unique role, different from service
provision, education, housing, etc. We could make our churches and
affiliated senior housing facilities a safe haven.
Oasis California has joined
in planning this project, one proposed by the
Coalition of Welcoming
Congregations (a program of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies
in Religion and Ministry) and the
Lavender Seniors of the East Bay. The audience for this event
includes all who seek to more information on the physical, social and
spiritual needs of LGBT seniors.
Get updates on this effort by signing up here (check theLGBT Faith and Aging Conference list):
Why
hold a LGBT Faith & Aging Conference?