RESOURCES

Welcome to our Resources page, where you'll find a growing collection of materials related to queer aging in Canada and globally. We aim to provide valuable information to help individuals, communities, and organizations better understand and support 2SLGBTQI+ seniors.

These resources, from research papers to toolkits, aim to raise awareness, promote inclusive practices, and inspire action. Whether you're a 2SLGBTQI+ senior, family member, healthcare provider, or ally, we hope you'll find these materials informative and empowering.

"Closing the Gap: The Health Disparities of Older LGBTI People in the Americas" is part of the publication series ‘Decade of Healthy Aging: situation and Challenges.’ To outline the current knowledge available on the situation of health and well-being of older persons in the Americas at the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030), this document presents data and existing evidence of different forms of discrimination and mistreatment older people face due to their sexual orientation and gender identities that ultimately increase health disparities. Previous studies on LGBTI older people offer valuable information on the lived experiences of these communities and demonstrate that they face unique challenges with aging, emphasizing the difficulties related to access to care. Very few studies on older people and aging include a focus on sexual orientation or gender identity; however, it is possible to point out that HIV/AIDS is one of the most significant health disparities confronting LGBTI older persons, followed by physical and mental health problems, substance use, social isolation, poverty, and the lack of access to quality healthcare, including long-term care facilities or other institutions. Closing the gap in access to and quality of health and care services is imperative to increase the longevity, health status and quality of life of LGBTI older people.

"A Call to Action for Person-Centred Long-term Residential Care for 2SLGBTQI+ Elders, Seniors, and Older Persons"

This hands-on resource from the Senior Pride Network Toronto provides an overview of the lived experiences and specific issues faced by 2SLGBTQI+ seniors and older adults in long-term care (LTC) settings. The report highlights this population's unique needs, barriers, and concerns, including lack of inclusive policies, staff biases, isolation, and inadequate care.

The resource offers concrete recommendations and a call to action to long-term care facilities, policymakers, and communities to create more welcoming, affirming, and person-centred care for 2SLGBTQI+ elders. It covers staff training, inclusive programming, resident-directed care, and building LGBTQ2S+-affirming environments.

This comprehensive guide is essential for anyone involved in long-term care to understand and support the specific needs of 2SLGBTQI+ seniors. By implementing the recommendations, LTC homes can work towards providing truly inclusive, dignified, and empowering care for 2SLGBTQI+ elders.

Viewing the Resources: Click on the associated image to view the resource.

"Digital Ageing - The Impacts of Technology and COVID-19 on Older 2SLGBTQ+ Adults’ Friendships, Relationships, and Communities"

This project investigated how older 2SLGBTQ+ adults aged 50 and above living in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec develop and maintain social connections and how digital platforms and the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted their social interactions. Through this project, we developed a variety of resources, including a community report, guide book, tip sheets, posters, and infographics.