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TG Elders/SOFFAs: A Primer for Providers
Loree Cook-Daniels 19
feelings of their lesbian/gay clients or members, as well as those of staff or leadership. CONCLUSION There is more to inclusion than trading a phrase that used to say “gay and lesbian” for one that says “GLBT.” Truly welcoming trans people of any age, and particularly trans elders, requires the modification of existing services, policies, and agendas. The necessary changes range from the easy (but still important) ones of ensuring publications mention addressing issues related to gender identity as well as those related to sexual orientation to the daunting ones like examining just how comfortable it will be for everyone if heterosexual trans people and their SOFFAs are mixed with lesbians and gay men (and what message you send to everyone if you choose not to include heterosexual trans people and/or their partners in a given service). The process of truly implementing an intention to include is neither simple nor easy. Yet this author believes that it is especially important that people who frequently urge others to be respectful of diversity and cognizant of minorities’ interests hold themselves to a high standard of walking their talk. May this paper help you in that effort.